FRENCHTOWN TWP. – The adult day program at the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults is getting noticed. A recent 30-minute YouTube video about the program has been viewed more than 149,000 times.
“We had two new clients and several calls,” said Paul Iacoangeli, the center’s executive director. Lance A. Slatton, the video’s creator, spent a full day filming and interviewing center staff.
Slatton is a Carleton native who runs Enriched Life Home Care Services. His company trains and supports family caregivers. It is based in Livonia but serves many locations, including Monroe County. “We are everywhere. We come to you,” Slatton said.
Slatton began working in the field by offering dementia awareness workshops at Stewart Road Church of God in Monroe. Then the pandemic hit.
“My business was able to continue operating. It was considered essential. I started a podcast. It completely exploded,” Slatton said. Today, a big part of Slatton’s business is the video series called All matters of home care. Since 2020, he has created 330 episodes. Some have 230,000 views.
“My channel has 24 million views for all videos combined. Our channel has a built-in audience. It’s something that relates to them. There are people all over the world and on almost every continent,” Slatton said.
He received the Silver Creator Award from YouTube for his over 100,000 subscribers. Today the channel has 122,000 subscribers.
“I use the channel for good causes to educate people, help nonprofits and spread the message,” said Slatton, who sits on the boards of the Frenchtown Center and the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging.
Slatton highlighted Frenchtown’s adult day program because he says many people don’t understand the concept of the program. The program was created 26 years ago and provides respite for caregivers and social activities for dementia patients. It is one of the few programs in existence. Slatton calls it “the best-kept secret in Monroe.”
“People have no idea. They think it’s like childcare. I really wanted to bring awareness to this incredible activity and resources,” Slatton said. “Paul said a few people came to the center because of the video. I think it’s great that people are seeing it and hearing about it. It’s just fantastic.”
Slatton had originally planned to study medicine, but unexpectedly had to care for a family.
His father, who lived in Carleton, fell. The injuries led to infections and wounds that refused to heal.
“I became his family caregiver,” Slatton said.
Although nursing staff came to Slatton’s home, they only helped with special health needs. Slatton had to take care of the rest himself.
“I said to myself, there must be other people going through this. I have to find a way to help people going through what we went through. I changed my career path,” he said. “My goal is to help people and help people who are trying to help people. I enjoy every minute of it.”
The father of three explained that while most people prepare for the birth of a baby, few prepare for caring for the baby.
“It happens without warning. You don’t buy books and start planning for the day it happens. There are an estimated 54 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States,” he said.
In addition to the videos, Slatton writes columns for news sites and provides medical equipment such as walkers to those in need. He offers seminars through nonprofits in southeast Michigan. The seminars are full of tips, such as how to get dementia patients to eat. The answer: Use a red plate.
“Red is the last color the eye forgets. Grilled chicken on a white plate is one big stain to them,” Slatton said.
He also helps senior centers promote their services and activities.
“Mr. Slatton helped us create a Facebook page,” Iacoangeli said. “He also did targeted advertising.”
“Anything we can do to help a center improve,” Slatton said. “My passion is the senior living industry.”
To learn more about Slatton and his company, visit lanceaslatton.com/enriched-life-home-care-services/.
The Frenchtown Center’s Adult Day Program for Active Adults
The adult day program at the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults, 2786 Vivian Rd., is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but appointments from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. are available with 24 hours’ notice. Funding comes from several local sources, with families’ contributions based on income and on a sliding scale.
The program allows family caregivers to bring their loved ones with dementia of any severity to the center without an appointment. Caregivers can take time off, run errands, or even work. Their family members can meet with peers. Activities include exercise, current events, pet therapy, bingo, crafts, trivia, snacks, and meals.
“You would be surprised how many people get involved and start talking to their neighbor. It’s great to see,” said Paul Iacoangeli, the center’s executive director. “Participants in our program can come at any time of day and return home to their families.”
The program currently has 15 participants, but more are welcome. Jean Siemik is the program director. Current staff includes Pam Handegan, Doreen Sager, Ayessa Pidruzny, and Kristen Reed.
“Aging in place is the foundation on which the program focuses,” Iacoangeli said.
Subscribe now: Here you will find the latest information on local developments, breaking news and content related to high school sports.
He said there are few day programs for adults.
“I know the Chelsea Senior Center offers respite through the Ease the Day program,” Iacoangeli said. “I know some of the stand-alone facilities between here and Detroit have closed. One was started in Monroe Township by Plum Creek and closed.”
For more information about the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults and its adult day program, visit frenchtownsenior.com/. To view the YouTube video of the program, visit youtube.com/watch?v=nwuQKUL_goo.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at [email protected].
