FAQs

Adult day centers, like River House, provide daytime services to aging adults who require some level of support during the day. Services include socialization, recreational activities, as well as personal and medical care as required. Aging adults who wish to remain in the community can continue living with their loved ones in the comfort of their own home and benefit from a safe “home away from home” during the day. Caregivers can return to their personal obligations knowing their loved one is safe and happy.

What it is not:
An adult day center is not a nursing home, which takes the person out of the home and community. It is not in-home care, which leaves the person isolated.

• Social interaction: enjoying the day with friends instead of being isolated at home.
• Recreation: participating in interesting activities designed to keep aging adults active and engaged.
• Safety: oversight and health services provided by professional nursing staff.
• Aging in place: maintaining independence and pride in living at home while having a safe and uplifting place to spend the day.
• Affordability: delaying full-time nursing home care at a significantly reduced cost.
• Caregiver respite and peace of mind: family or friends can continue with personal activities outside the home knowing that their loved one is safe and happy.
• Improved quality of life: a happier, healthier life for both aging adults and their caregivers.

River House is best for aging adults who wish to age in place but,

• are unable to stay home alone during the day.
• want to interact with their peers and have fun during the day.
• have physical or cognitive limitations that require medical attention.
• require assistance with eating, toileting, bathing, dressing, and other daily life activities.
• take medications and/or need treatments on a regular basis.
• need physical, occupational and/or speech therapy.

River House’s members include adults with vision and hearing loss, chronic diseases, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, fractured hip, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s or dementia.

River House is unable to accommodate someone with a contagious disease, who is physically/verbally abusive, or is bedridden.

Yes. Approximately 50% of River House members have some level of dementia. Our Waterfall Program is dedicated to meeting the needs of members who face advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Click here for more information.

The focus of River House’s program is recreation and socialization. Our Manager of Therapeutic Recreation plans appropriate activities for all members and smaller groups are developed according to ability and interest. The Waterfall Program is dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals requiring individualized attention and those facing advanced dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. For more information please click here.

River House staff are among members at all times. In case of an emergency, the nurse will assess the situation and determine the appropriate action. If necessary, 911 is called and the member is transported to Greenwich Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Yes. In fact, members who become hospitalized often return to River House to receive needed treatments and therapies as they recover.

River House is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

We are closed for seven holidays each year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Absolutely! River House is dedicated to supporting caregivers as well - you are very much a part of our family.

• The Care Plan for caregivers closely evaluates the family situation, seeks out ways to best manage the challenges of caregiving, and searches for ways to get the caregiver's life back under control.
• Individual and family counseling, care planning, and referrals are provided through our Social Services office.
• Assistance with obtaining financial aid and entitlements is offered.
• Caregiver Circle is open to the community and provides assistance and peer support to nonprofessional caregivers. Click here for more information.

River House is a not for profit organization. River House is partially funded through direct member fees and third party reimbursement, however, these payments do not cover the actual cost of care of approximately $140 per member per day. River House depends on, and is enormously grateful for, financial contributions from our community at large including individuals, corporations, foundations, religious organizations, the Town of Greenwich, and Greenwich United Way. We could not offer the quality of care our members deserve and expect without the generosity of our community. If you would like to make a contribution to River House please click here. Thank you for your support!

The full fee is $100.00/day.

There is also an income-based sliding scale fee available. Medicare does not pay for adult day care services but there are programs in Connecticut that will fund adult day care services such as Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, Alzheimer’s Respite Program, National Caregivers’ Program, Title III B and Veteran’s Assistance. Most Long-Term Care policies also cover adult day care. River House staff assists all families in determining eligibility for and securing these subsidies and insurance reimbursements.

Yes. Norwalk Transit has a contract with River House to provide escorted, ADA accessible, door-to-door transportation with in Greenwich and Stamford. This cost is included in our daily fee.

A nutritious morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided daily. Lunches meet 1/3 of the USDA daily nutritional requirement and are planned by a registered dietician. Special diets are available.

Showers and general grooming, including shaves for men, are available at no extra charge. Haircuts and other hairdressing services are available at our beauty salon for a nominal fee.

River House welcomes members of all abilities. In addition to direct inquiries from families, referrals are often made by health and social service workers, physicians, caregivers of past and current members, clergy, and case managers. A simple admission application and physician’s orders are required for enrollment. Contact us to set up an appointment to see if River House is right for your family! +1 (203) 622-0079 or info@theRiverHouse.org.

River House capacity is 60 members per day. We average 50 members a day at the present time with more than 90 enrolled. Not all members come each day. Some choose only two days a week while others attend the full six days a week.

Volunteers are a very important part of the River House family. Volunteers include students from local schools, adults who assist with meals and activities, garden club members who offer special seasonal programs, and a volunteer Board of Directors. To become a River House volunteer click here.