In the early 1970's, a group of Yolo County residents began looking for a better way of caring for adults whose health problems interfered with independent living. Their goal was to help people maintain themselves in the community, prevent deterioration and avoid unnecessary institutionalization. They were inspired by the geriatric day hospitals, a model of health care widely used in Britain. In the early 1980's, Friends persuaded the County Health Department to build a facility using special state and funds. This became the first built-to-purpose adult day health center in California. Community members put their own efforts on permanent footing by organizing Friends of Adult Day Health Care, an independent non-profit organization. Yolo Adult Day Health Center opened its doors in January 1984. In 1990, with the assistance of a grant from the California Department of Aging, a specialized program was developed to better serve individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or other related dementias. The initial partnership that established the Center continues to support it today. It is a three way partnership between Friends, Yolo County and Woodland Healthcare, which has been managing the program since 1998. Each has a specific role where Friends assists with community fundraising and education, Yolo County manages the building and maintains the license and Woodland Healthcare, experts in healthcare, manage patient care. In an effort make ends meet, the program needed to at least double in size and discussions of options for expansion commenced. After several years of planning and collaboration, an agreement was negotiated in March 2021. We are excited to announce that the new YADHC will open later this year in the previous Stollwood Convalescent Hospital operated by St. John's Retirement Village in Woodland. After 37 years of operation and with the support of Friends, YADHC continues to successfully meet its goals and operate in the warm community spirit put forth by the founders.
