Adult DayLight Program participants

In addition to our children and young adult services, St. Margaret’s offers the DayLight Program, an adult day healthcare program for participants ages 18 to 65 with neurological impairments or other chronic conditions and disabilities. It is offered weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the St. Margaret’s campus. Every day features a physical activity and a cognitive activity, plus a hot lunch. There’s stretching and seated exercise, adapted sports, time spent outdoors, trivia, current event discussions, music, arts and crafts.

The participants vary widely in their personal goals.  Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech
therapy sessions are part of the day and therapist’s recommendations are often incorporated into activities.

Patty Pologa can hardly contain her enthusiasm when asked about the three days a week she attends the DayLight Program at St. Margaret’s Center.  “I love this place,” she said with a big smile. “The staff is great, my friends are good to me... it’s so good.”   Pologa should know.  She’s been a participant since the program began in 1999.

John Arango wasn’t certain if the DayLight Program would work for him.  A resident of Ballston Spa, he suffered a broken neck four years ago.  “You don’t have to feel uptight asking for things like someone to fill your water bottle,” said Arango.  “I like it mostly for the physical therapy and the occupational therapy.  I got to know more about the kids here.  I went upstairs to see some of them.”  Arango wanted to help the young residents of St. Margaret’s, so he purchased small toys and clothing as gifts for them.

Mark Welcome knows both sides of the human services profession.  For many years, this East Greenbush resident worked at VanRensselaer Manor.  Now, health problems challenge him but through his therapy and the DayLight Program, he is working hard at walking.   “I visit with other people like me... who have problems I’m used to hearing about.  I love the kids, we have concerts together and movies together...  the kids come down (to program) and we go up there,” said Mark Welcome. 

Walking through the program, visitors notice people working on puzzles and crafts.  Bright artwork is displayed.  Music is playing.  There’s a cheerful and upbeat attitude among staff members.

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