A handful of older adults in Matteson are always on the go. They’re bowling, having their nails done and sometimes they’re just chilling out to gospel music therapy at an adult day service designed just for them.
The Young 60 Plus Club, as its name indicates, is for anyone aged 60 and up, and caters to those with some degree of mental decline. And it has been growing in popularity since it opened in Matteson a year ago. Some days the storefront center is booming with clients.
“I like being with people and I like helping people,” said client Allene Allen, 70, of Lansing, who chips in whenever she can. “Whatever it takes, that they ask me to do — you have one who sometimes gets a little lost, or I get them water if that’s what they choose.”
Allen, whose two sons visit her regularly at home and who has a grandson, said she used to work in health care, so it’s natural for her to want to help out. She also loves music and playing the piano.
Brittney Jeter, who manages the business she founded in 2020 where she used to live in downstate Bloomington, had to spend some time getting the right paperwork done for the new location, which included obtaining approval to be Medicaid/Medicare eligible.
Now there’s a big screen television to make clients feel at home, a tasty meal service for lunch, field trips and programs that foster social engagement. She has an intergenerational young leadership group come to the site to work with clients on computer and phone skills, which also gives them a chance to converse with younger people. They play a video game version of Wheel of Fortune, too.
“It’s really cool to engage in the experience for them,” said Jeter
She said she was prompted to get young people involved after she heard about a teen who shot an older person in Chicago.
“I’m sure if that kid had a grandparent, he wouldn’t have shot him,” Jeter said. “I’ve got to look at where the mentorship really comes from. I feel like that’s the disconnect — if you really want the kids to put the gun down, look to the grandparents.”
Jeter, who lives in Richton Park and also works as a contract nurse manager in infection control, also encourages clients such as Allene to help out if they so choose. Others simply bask in the center’s offerings.
“One is not as active, another loves to dance — that’s her go-to,” she said.
There have also been several events to draw the community to the club, including a Wheel of Fortune Game Party in February and more recently a Bid Whist card game event in June. They also recently had an outing to Monee for bingo.
Devona Brown, the center’s assistant administrator, oversees several program aides who help out with the clients. She also helps Jeter train staff about working with people suffering dementia, understanding toileting, safety, fire hazards and infection control. They all learn CPR.
Brown, of Calumet City, said being around elders benefits both her and them.
“I was raised by my grandmother and was always around older people,” said Brown. “I sat and listened to wisdom. I know how to show empathy and compassion.”
Isis Zavala, one of the program aides, also said she enjoyed being around older people there.
“I love the connection I have with them,” said Zavala, who frequently smiled at clients or placed her hand on their backs. “I’m a mother and I love taking care of them.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
