Growth prompts DayBreak Center's move

SANDPOINT — The area’s only senior day care facility is moving to a new location to accommodate its growing clientele.

The DayBreak Center, which offers respite for the caretakers of elderly dementia patients, has operated at its current Sandpoint location since last November. Ever-increasing demand for the center’s services has meant too many participants in too small of a space, said DayBreak administrator Norma White.

Beginning July 14, the center will open at its new and improved home at 830 Kootenai Cutoff in Ponderay. At the new facility, the center will be able to accommodate 12 to 14 participants, up from the four to six at the current location.

The new location also means expanded services, such as a bigger gardening program, better accessibility for the disabled and improved bathing facilities, according to Judy Totten, the center’s activities director.

With the additional space, more families will get a short but important break from their care taking duties, Totten said.

“The Daybreak Center is so very needed because family members are trying to keep their loved ones at home and they, too, need doctors appointments or just a day off, so we’re really needed for that reason,” she said.

The center has earned 1 of praise from the area families who, prior to its opening, had no options for respite care, White said.

“You know, I hear, ‘It saved my life’ and “It kept me sane,’” she said. “You could go on and on. They’re just absolutely thrilled with it.”

While all parties are impressed with the new facilities, White said the goal is to eventually buy property for a permanent building to house the center, the Sandpoint Senior Center and a thrift store.

Beginning early next year, center officials will kick off a campaign to raise at least $1 million for the permanent home.

Before the move, the center will host a two day bake sale and yard sale June 26-27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its current location, 321 South First Ave.

The center is also looking for gently-used furniture and appliances for the new facility. Call White at 263-6860 to donate.

Visit daybreakcenter.org for more information.