UnityPoint’s Adult Day Health Centers provide support for older adults with dementia, intellectual disabilities

This story first appeared in Prestige - December 2025, a biannual special section distributed in The Gazette dedicated to Iowans 55+.

On a sunny afternoon in late fall, groups of people sit in the spacious living area at Milestones Adult Day Center chatting in small groups, listening to music or working on craft projects.

Staff members circulate among them, answering questions and assisting with wheelchairs. Everyone has enjoyed a full day of conversations, meals and activities — today, it’s bingo and cookie-baking.

Milestones Adult Day Health Centers in Cedar Rapids and Marion and Pathways Adult Day Health Center in Iowa City are part of UnityPoint’s AbbeHealth Aging Services. These centers provide daytime support and supervision Monday through Friday to people with dementia as well as adults with intellectual disabilities. Their focus is providing structure, support and socialization for the people who come to their centers.

“We’re big believers in providing structure for their day,” said Jules Barton-Norris, supervisor of Milestones Cedar Rapids. “We want to fill their day with meaningful interactions and help them know that they are appreciated. We want them to think ‘if I don’t come today, someone is going to miss me.’”

Barton-Norris and her staff keep a predictable schedule for their clients to help them settle in and feel safe. Predictability is especially important for those with dementia. The day begins with breakfast soon after Milestones opens at 8 a.m., followed by “news,” a chance for clients to share with the group about what’s going on in their lives. Staff then give an overview of the day’s activities and help everyone decide what they’d like to participate in.

Activities at Milestones are simple and client-centered: bingo, crafts and word games are some of the favorites. Sometimes, guests will come in with animals for pet therapy, or to play music and sing old, familiar songs. Those who are able can choose to go on short trips to local stores, the library or out for donuts. And every day, there’s a hot lunch.

Beth Burks comes to Milestones every weekday and enjoys it. “I have a bunch of friends here,” she said with a smile. She loves to keep busy. “I was back there playing Wii bowling. And then I played bingo and won a bag of potato chips.”

“Every once in a while, someone will call and ask if their loved one can come and just sit and watch TV,” Barton-Norris said. “We don’t offer that.” The staff knows the importance of offering stimulating activities, and they lead these activities with enthusiasm and care.

“I enjoy coming to work. It’s fun,” said Patient Care Attendant Chelsey McClelland, who’s worked at Milestones for eight years. “I love the staff and clients here.”

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Social interaction is an important part of the experience at Milestones.

“For many of our clients, the time they spend at Milestones may be the only interaction they have with people outside their caregivers,” Barton-Norris said.

At Milestones, there are different ways for people to interact with one another: in big groups enjoying singing or playing games, sitting at a small lunch table with others, or even having a one-on-one conversation in the facility’s sunny kitchen or library.

Those with dementia can sometimes struggle relating to others, so staff is always ready to lend support.

“We help them with establishing healthy relationships,” Barton-Norris said. “We help with basic social skills, and we provide role modeling.” The staff also knows when to offer spaces at the facility where clients can have some peace and quiet.

As an accredited adult day health center, Milestones also provides health monitoring. Daily staff members keep an eye on clients, and nurses come in to handle medical issues when needed.

“If we notice a decline or change, we communicate with family,” Barton-Norris said. “And they can check in with us if they know their loved one didn’t sleep well, for example.”

The building is set up for safety. All the bathrooms have alarms in case someone needs help, and the doors will alarm if a client with a sensor leaves.

With these centers open five days a week, caregivers can register for their loved one to attend one day a week up to every day, depending on what works best for everyone. Medicare or Medicaid waivers can provide funding support.

“We provide a safe, reliable place for this vulnerable population,” Barton-Norris said. “We are not just serving the individual but also those who love them.”