Seniors are Recognized as Valentine's Kings and Queens for a Day

SALT LAKE CITY—The patrons of Neighborhood House’s Adult Centers have an average age of 80 years, but the way they get up to groove to music demonstrates their lively spirit and eagerness for social engagement.  This Valentines Day, aging adults from both of Neighborhood House’s Adult Day Care Centers will filter into the gymnasium bedecked with hearts to celebrate the year’s most romantic holiday by dancing to live music, which will be provided this year by local musician Chris Hough. After consuming treats and sashaying on the dance floor, the fun concludes with dance royalty being crowned. This year’s event will be held on February 14th from 11-12pm at the Cottonwood Heights Adult Day Center located at 1580 East Vine Street (6100 South).
Neighborhood House is a pioneer in the adult day service industry, with the program celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Neighborhood House’s adult programs provide caregivers with an affordable way to keep their loved one in the home, with an improved quality of life.  The service offers adults who need supervision or are isolated and lonely at home with a safe, social and stimulating environment replete with recreational therapy activities and special celebrations, like holiday dances.
Paula, a client of Neighborhood House’s adult day services, is especially looking forward to the Valentine’s Dance because she was named queen once. Many of the clients look forward to the opportunity for the two adult centers to combine and celebrate. Wayne, another recipient of Neighborhood House’s services, said, “I look forward to all activities between centers when we all become better friends. What better way than dancing?” 
“The Valentine’s dance is one of my very favorite events,” said Veronica Scheidler, the Volunteer and Partnership Coordinator for Neighborhood House. “There is absolutely no pretension or posturing. Everyone just grooves the best they can and has fun. I’m sure I looked incredibly silly and uncoordinated last year, but I had a blast.”
When asked to reflect on event the LeeAnn Gomez, program staff at Riverside Adult Center, said, “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet.”
Neighborhood House is a 501(c)3 charity that provides quality, affordable day care for children and adults, based on ability to pay.  For 119 years, the services of Neighborhood House have helped families address the care, education and social needs of loved ones.  Neighborhood House is the state’s oldest and largest nonprofit provider of care services; nearly 500 individuals are directly served by on an annual basis, by way of a sliding fee scale.