Linwood Center ignites new purpose for seniors
The wisdom of their years is only amplified by the joy they share at the Linwood Center.
After a lifetime of hard work, raising families, fighting and surviving wars, recessions and many hard northern winters, today 30 seniors enjoy their well deserved day in the sun.
As an adult day center, the Linwood Center is a deeply honoring and welcoming place for adults over age 60. While some are fully independent and just need the social interaction of others of their own generation, others may need a little extra support to remain independent in their homes.
Services include: breakfast and lunch, exercise, trivia games, armchair travel, live bands, games and cards, volunteer opportunities, day trips and fishing trips.
“There are no TVs here,” Nancy Ogden, who has been with the Linwood Center for 13 years and is currently its supervisor, said, adding all the activities and events are mind, body and community stimulating.
“Maybe we view one or two movies a month, but everything is geared toward providing a therapeutic activities, socialization, assistance with personal care and case management.”
The center promotes an improved quality of life while providing respite and guidance to family members and caregivers. It offers a friendly environment for veterans, retired people, and those who live alone and want the daily companionship of others.Veterans, retired people, those who live alone and want the daily companionship of others. For one, in particular, the Linwood Center has given him a new lease on life after the death of his wife.
When Chuck Tyler’s wife died in 2006, he slipped into a deep, dark depression, and remained alone at home for well
over a year. After he began coming to the Linwood Center, he found his life again.
“Now, everything is better because of Linwood. This place helps a lot of people more than anyone realizes. You have to associate with other people to be mentally intact,” he said, smiling as he headed back into the bright cheerful room full of friends waiting for him to play Bingo.
Others with some physical and cognitive challenges also enjoy a special bond of friendship encouraged by a caring and experienced staff.
The Linwood Center, which is sponsored by the ReHabilitation Center and located in its Allegany site on Nine Mile Rd., has a long history in Olean.
It was begun 35 years ago by the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging in Christ United Methodist Church at 633 Linwood Avenue.
Later, the Linwood Center was moved into the now closed Allegany High School where it remained until it was relocated to its current location on May 1, 2015.
“The old school closed in 1990. It had no upgrades and always had issues with temperature. We needed a new location,” Nancy said.
“We became part of the ReHabilitation Center on January 31, 2011, but didn’t move until after construction was completed.”
In addition to providing a great community for friendship and support, the Linwood Center encourages members of the community to share knowledge and resources through special events.
“We have guest speakers regularly from the Department of Aging who discuss nutrition and staying healthy along with other services they provide,” Nancy said. “These services promote an improved quality of life while providing support to family members and caregivers.”
For more information about the Linwood Center, call Nancy Ogden at 716-375-4740, ext. 120.
