Family Care Center at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems - 2014 Program of Distinction Designee

In part 2 of our series on the 2014 Program of Distinction Designee, we highlight Family Care Center at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems in Richmond, VA. (Read part one.)

The Family Care Center – among this year’s honorees, including AARP Experience Corps and Geriatric Career Development Program at Jewish Home Lifecare – enjoy the bragging rights and national legitimacy that comes from joining an elite group of programs celebrated for their effectiveness.

(See our post, “What is a Program of Distinction Designeeand why is it so important?”)

"When it opened more than 30 years ago, ours was one of the very first employer sponsored on-site child care centers in Virginia. When we added our adult day services program in 2006, it was the first of its kind," explains Maria Curran, vice president, Department of Human Resources and Family Care. 

"We have long known about the many significant advantages of integrating the care of seniors and children and are thrilled to be recognized by Generations United as a Program of Distinction," Curran continued. "Our program is one of the flagship benefits we offer our employees but it also is open to our community, which extends the benefit even further."

Family Care Center, like our past designees, went through a tough consideration process facilitated by our panel of experts in the intergenerational field.

The VCU Health System Family Care Center is a shared intergenerational site located on the Medical Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.  

“We are very excited about receiving 'The Program of Distinction Award' offered by Generations United," said Patricia Moon, director, VCU Health System Family Care Services.. "It is both an honor and a privilege to receive this recognition of our efforts to ensure best practices in the field of intergenerational programming and elder care when there are so many programs deserving of this distinction."  

"Our elders and our children have been the recipients of the improved quality of life initiatives that have come from their experiences," Moon concluded.  

The diversity of ages and opportunities within this center is a result of its NAEYC-accredited childcare center serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and an Adult Day Center licensed for 10 adults with varying abilities who need or desire opportunities for engagement, supervision and socialization. 

The opportunities for intergenerational interactions are significant and further expanded since the Family Care Center is part of a teaching hospital and supports students and interns from a variety of disciplines.

"I am thrilled to receive this honor from Generations United, and very proud of the exceptional care environment we have created at this shared site," observed Dee Caras, MSG, program manager, VCU Health Systems Adult Day Services. "This designation will help us continue and will strengthen our good work through increased recognition and awareness of our program."

Stay tuned for next week, when we introduce Jewish Home Lifecare’s Geriatric Career Development Program.