BY: Gia Martucc, YoloCares
Galileo Place, YoloCares’ new Adult Day Program, was awarded $225,000 in funding from the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.
The funding, which will provide scholarships to low-income families who attend Galileo Place, was initially part of the American Rescue Plan—a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package brought forth by the Biden Administration in 2021.
The funds will extend respite care to local caregivers who would otherwise not have the resources to participate at Galileo Place, giving people with cognitive impairment healthcare access to an enriching adult day program while providing their caregivers with the respite they need to maintain the demanding life of a family caregiver.
By 2040, over 70,000 people over the age of 60 are projected to be living in Yolo County, representing a 235 percent growth from current totals. Known as the “silver tsunami” by experts, California’s aging Baby Boomer population is expected to inundate care providers unless elderly support services are expanded. Statistically, one in seven people over the age of 70 will be diagnosed with a form of dementia—meaning that of the 70,000 projected seniors in Yolo County, around 10,000 will experience cognitive decline that will limit their independence by 2040.
“The Board of Supervisors’ decision to provide funding for Galileo Place represents their vested interest in serving Yolo County’s growing seniors and their caregivers,” says Craig Dresang, CEO of YoloCares. “Galileo Place is more than just an adult day program, it’s a valuable resource for families of people experiencing cognitive decline. It offers a source of community, not just for our clients, but for their caregivers as well, connecting them to additional services throughout their loved one’s healthcare journey.”
Galileo Place offers a caring and supportive environment for adults with limited mobility and cognitive impairments. Participants receive physical and cognitive exercise through group workouts and mind-sharpening games, and most importantly, social interaction and a sense of purpose and community.
Galileo Place also hosts a wealth of free community programs offered through YoloCares’ Center for Caregiver Support and Center for Loss & Hope, such as advance care planning workshops, grief seminars, and caregiver retreats. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm, Galileo Place offers a varied schedule to allow flexibility for families. If you would like to tour Galileo Place or learn more, please call (530) 758-5566 or email Program Administrator Amy Meier at ameier@yolocares.org.