AltaMed Health Services opens its newest Adult Day Health Care center in Cypress

AltaMed Health Services Corporation, elected officials and community leaders came together today to celebrate the grand opening of AltaMed's newest Adult Day Health Care center (ADHC) in Cypress.

The expansion of AltaMed senior services into Orange County speaks to the growing need for community resources and benefits ADHC centers provide to the population. Between 2000 and 2009, the Latino senior population in Orange County grew by 79% while the Asian senior population grew by 60%. Both populations are expected to increase by an additional 31% and 30% respectively by 2014. A report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reveals that the U.S. will require 5,415 new ADHC centers to address the demands of an aging population.

"One of AltaMed's principal beliefs is that all seniors deserve quality medical care and social services that allow them to sustain their independence and continue living in their communities with their families as long as possible," said Castulo de la Rocha, president and CEO of AltaMed Health Services Corporation. "The new Cypress ADHC will provide such services and address the cultural needs of the Latino and Asian populations, which prefer to keep loved ones at home rather than placing them in long-term care facilities."

The Cypress ADHC is designed to offer support to adults 18 years and older through health programs and services that maintain or enhance their medical, functional or mental status. Services include transportation to and from the ADHC, nursing care, nutritional meals, individual counseling, physical, occupational and speech therapy, recreational activities, emotional support for caregivers, health education classes and access to other community resources.

With a focus on promoting independence for its participants, AltaMed's professional bicultural and bilingual staff addresses the cultural needs of the seniors and works with the family unit as a whole in order to encourage a healthy and balanced family life.

"For 40 years, AltaMed has provided valuable services to some of the most underserved populations in Southern California," said Senator Tom Harman, 35th District. "I am proud to support this organization, as this expansion will help us meet the demand for resources among one of the most vulnerable populations - our seniors."

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), AltaMed's Cypress ADHC adheres to the highest levels of quality and service as determined by the federal government. Most recent data indicates there is one FQHC for every 340,952 individuals in Orange County in contrast to one FQHC for every 101,548 people in Los Angeles County.

"The City of Cypress welcomes AltaMed's ADHC and the critical services it will provide to our community," said Mayor Doug Bailey. He adds, "Families will greatly benefit from AltaMed's experience and seniors will enjoy the socialization and personal care they receive."