In 1994, Seattle Day Center for Adults opened its third day center for chronically disabled adults. In the two years following its opening, staff expanded the center's hours and services to include weekend, evening and drop-in care.

The project was part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Partners in Caregiving: The Dementia Services Program national program.

Key Results

• In 1994, Seattle Day Center for Adults opened its third day center, North Branch, in a Seattle neighborhood with a high proportion of over-65 individuals. Initial services included psychiatric consultation, and music and dance therapy.
• In 1995 and 1996, staff:
  • Expanded North Branch's hours further to include weekend, evening and drop-in care.
  • Added additional services, including podiatry and bathing.
  • Created a program called Paradigm Busters, in which employees exercise complete authority to recommend, implement, monitor and evaluate changes to the services offered to clients.
  • From the beginning, North Branch exceeded enrollment projections, and it achieved financial break-even in its second year.

Funding
RWJF supported this project through a grant of $150,000.