From left: Keiko Ikeda, adult day care administrator; Beverly Ito, Keiro president and CEO; Dr. Kenji Irie, SKSC board member; Shinichiro Koga, SKSC president and CEO.
The senior daycare program provided by Seinan Koreisha Senior Care, located in L.A.’s Crenshaw District, got off to a smooth start on Aug. 24, with enjoyable activities being held for participants by experienced staff.
The Keiro Board of Directors decided to provide over $80,000 in financial support for this program. To present the check and tour the program, Keiro President and CEO Beverly Ito visited Seinan Koreisha Adult Day Care on Sept. 18.
Ito took part in a cooking class and met with, among others, Shinichiro Koga, Seinan Koreisha Senior Care president and CEO; Keiko Ikeda, adult day care administrator; and Dr. Kenji Irie, SKSC board member.
“On behalf of Keiro and the Board of Directors, we congratulate Seinan Koreisha Senior Care, Inc. on the opening of its adult day program,” Ito said in a statement. “We are pleased to support the opening by providing essential funds to improve the safety and exterior finishing of the Seinan campus.
“There is mission alignment between our organizations as both SKSC and Keiro are committed to creating care options for older adults and caregivers in our community.”
Located at 3116 W. Jefferson Blvd., the program for ambulatory seniors and dependent adults 18 and over offers such activities as exercise, music, art, cooking, calligraphy, ikebana and karaoke classes; medical, psychological and social work consultations; podiatry; hair dressing; lunch and snacks. Medication assistance and transportation within designated areas are also provided. The staff members are bilingual and experienced in geriatric care.
Koga said in a statement, “At SKSC, we are committed to providing community- and culture-based support for Japanese American and neighborhood seniors so they may continue living safely in the familiar communities they call home, while finding joy and connection in their daily lives.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Adult Day Care Program at the Seinan Center, once a vibrant hub for the Japanese American community. Through this program, we hope to help revitalize the area and create a welcoming place for seniors and their families.
“On Aug. 24, the program began with a soft launch.
“Our staff includes healthcare professionals, medical specialists, and individuals with many years of experience in adult care. Together, we aim to provide safe, compassionate care that supports each participant with respect and understanding.
“This program offers a safe and comfortable place for seniors to spend the daytime hours. Through light exercise, hobbies, conversation, lunch, seasonal events, and other activties, we will support participants in maintaining their physical and emotional well-being.
“We also hope the program will help ease the caregiving burden on families and give them peace of mind as they attend work, errands, and their own daily needs.
“One senior participant had begun to experience hearing loss and fewer opportunities to go out, spending more time at home alone watching television. Although the family was concerned about safety, work and daily responsibilities made it difficult for them to always be by the senior’s side.
“After beginning to attend the day care program, the participant started looking forward to conversations with others who shared the same language and culture, familiar songs, hands-on activities, and warm lunches. Gradually, the family noticed brighter expressions and a more positive rhythm in daily life.
“Adult day care is not simply a place where seniors spend the day. It is an important community space that honors each person’s dignity while nurturing connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
“SKSC will continue working to create an environment where Japanese American seniors can live with comfort and security, while further strengthening senior care services rooted in the Japanese American community.
“We sincerely welcome support from those who wish to help sustain this work, as well as participation from volunteers. If you would like to contribute to the community or spend meaningful time with seniors, we warmly invite you to join our efforts.
“Together with members of the Japanese American community, we hope to build a warm and supportive local network for the aging society ahead. We deeply appreciate your understanding, support, and participation as volunteers.”
There is a fee to participate in the program, but financial assistance is available to those in need.
Days of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended hours until 5 p.m.
For visits and/or applications, contact Yoichi Shimizutani or Naoko Okada at (213) 794-5416. Website: seinankoreishaadultdaycare.net