HOOVER ELDERCARE CENTER

For more than 12 years the Hoover Eldercare Center (formerly called SEMO Eldercare) has provided socialization and education opportunities for elderly people in the area.

The Eldercare Center is the only licensed, social, adult day-care center in Missouri. It has served as a model for programs in other states.

Although anyone 60 years of age or older may participate, the average age of those involved in the program is 82. Participants must be able to manage their own care with only minimal assistance. They must also be able to follow simple instructions with limited supervision.

The center, at 805 N. Sprigg, is offered through Southeast Missouri State University. It also receives funding assistance from a variety of other agencies. This is the second year that Eldercare is one of the Area Wide United Way agencies.

Cynthia Kothe, coordinator of the center, stressed the focus of the program is to keep people active and making decisions.

Describing the work of the center, Kothe explained: "We are an educational and social program for people age 60 and above. We have daily educational activities, provide transportation, two snacks and one meal a day to clients. We also serve as an information and referral source."

The center provides transportation to residents in the city limits of Cape Girardeau. Cape County Transit brings clients from outside the city. Anyone who does not live in the county must provide their own transportation.

Clients sign up for the days they want to attend. The center is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. There are two full-time staff members along with a part-time graduate assistant and a program aide. For more information call 290-5944.