Monday, November 10, 2025
The Plattduetsche Home Society in Franklin Square is extending its community reach with a new Adult Day Life Enrichment Program that gives older adults an opportunity to spend their days in a lively, social setting while continuing to live at home.
The initiative, more than a year in the making, was created to meet the needs of those who aren’t ready to move into assisted living but could benefit from structured activities and social engagement during the day.
Plattduetsche staff members, who soft-launched the program this fall, are scheduling tours of the home, at 1150 Hempstead Tpke., for those interested in trying it out.
“We wanted to do more for the community we’re in,” Jennifer Bushati, director of recreation, said. “There are a lot of seniors who are very resistant to leave their home but need a place and a purpose throughout the day. This gives them the same benefits everybody gets here and peace of mind for their families.”
Participants, who must be at least 65 years old, can choose to attend for a half or full day, anywhere from one to five days a week. Each visit includes a meal, snack and access to a full calendar of activities.
Bushati, a certified recreational therapist and Floral Park resident, said the idea came from conversations with friends and neighbors who, like her, are part of the “sandwich generation,” balancing responsibilities for both their children and aging parents, all while working.
“A lot of us share the same issue what are mom and dad doing all day?” Bushati said.
The day program is limited to seven participants at a time, allowing for what staff members describe as a “seamless integration” with the home’s roughly 75 residents and minimal disruptions to their current programs. Up to 14 individuals can enroll overall and attend on different days.
Steven Kordisch, an administrator at the home, said the goal is to make participants feel like part of the Plattduetsche community.
“We find integration to be a key aspect of things,” Kordisch said. “Anyone here, that’s here as a participant, is getting the full experience of the daytime Plattduetsche senior living.”
The team makes it a point, he said, not to treat residents as patients dependant on staff, but rather as independent adults who are capable of participating in activities on their own. One of the ways the home achieves this is through a community-driven environment. Socialization, he continued, is precisely what the day program is aiming to provide.
Each day’s schedule offers social activities designed to support cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. The list includes art and paint classes, piano lessons, trivia, sing-alongs, church services and other group programs. Participants also take part in frequent outings to local stores, libraries and events, as well as summer concerts and beach trips.
If there’s a program or class participants want that the home is not offering, Bushati added, the team would work to accommodate them.
Before joining, Kordisch said, prospective participants must complete an assessment to make sure the program is a good fit. “We want to ensure that we can meet their needs and that they’ll benefit from what we offer,” Kordisch explained.
The Plattduetsche Home Society includes both assisted and independent living spaces. The adult home houses about 75 residents in studio apartments designed for one occupant, while 51 independent living apartments allow couples to live together, supporting as many as 102 residents. The day program adds another layer for those who want connection and structure but not full-time care.
Richie Oliver, director of operations, said the assessment process also helps maintain the community’s atmosphere.
“We’re a family-type community,” Oliver said. “Anyone that comes into our community has to be able to get along so that they have the quality of life that the folks who are already living here maintain.”
For some, joining a social environment after spending time alone can be a big transition. However, Oliver emphasized, staff members help new participants adjust gradually.
“At first, some people just want to observe and get used to their surroundings,” Oliver said. “But before long, almost everyone says, ‘I’m not leaving — this is exactly where I want to be.’”
Meals are an important part of the experience, and a point of pride, Kordisch added. Participants enjoy the same European-style food served to residents.
Plattduetsche staff members said that what sets their day program apart from others is the combination of professional oversight and genuine community connection.
“There are many senior programs run by the town and county,” Oliver said. “But none of them come close to offering what this program offers — not the calendar of activities or the professional staff.”
Kordisch said the initiative represents one of the home’s most exciting new ventures, and he believes the program will benefit current residents as much as it benefits new participants. “More is better,” he emphasized.
Community members can learn more or schedule a tour of the home by contacting the Plattduetsche Home Society through its website, PlattSeniorLiving.com, or by calling (516) 352-4252.
