The Family Ties Adult Day Center has answered that need for hundreds of community members for more than 35 years.

The Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency program currently has openings to accept elderly individuals who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“We provide respite for the caregivers,” Family Ties Director Brynn Billings said. “This gives them time to attend to daily responsibilities outside the home, while they can relax knowing their family members are in a safe and secure environment.”

Family Ties gives families an option other than placement in a long-term care facility, Billings said.

FAMILY TIES ACTIVITY Director Nancy Reese works with Mary Jane Hart on a Christmas tree project. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

A vital part of the center’s daily routine is providing stimulating activities and socialization for the clients.

A favorite among the clients is bingo. “They love it and love to win prizes,” she said.

In addition to playing a variety of board games, they host sing-a-longs, musical entertainment and puppet shows.

They also go on outings, including recent trips to the apple orchard and Dickinson County Library for a magic show.

Family Ties has received a new projector and screen to show matinees, along with a popcorn machine.

“Attendees can enjoy a treat while watching a movie on the big screen,” Billings said. “We do a lot of really fun things.”

Billings noted that although they encourage individuals to participate in daily activities, there is no pressure; they are welcome to just come to sit and relax in the living room area to watch TV or listen to music.

“The four brand-new recliners are a hit,” she said.

They also have several who just come to read or color.

“There are many things we can set them up to do,” Billings added. “It’s whatever they are comfortable with.”

The DISCA nutrition program provides a warm meal for those spending lunchtime at the center. “We all eat together like family,” she said.

The facility is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Each participating client sets his or her own schedule that can range from a few hours a week to every day.

“It really is based on what the family needs,” Billings said.

Billings started with Family Ties in 2020 as a Bay College student intern and took over after Tammy Tomassucci retired this spring.

Family Ties can accommodate about 12 individuals at a time, to keep a ratio of three to the three staff members.

“It’s exciting for us to be able to get the word out that we currently have openings,” Billings said. “We know the need is there in the community; however, many aren’t familiar with the program.”

Billings explained that interested individuals in the past would have a long wait before a time slot opened, so it’s unusual to have several openings a day now available.

Applicants will go through a telephone or in-person screening to determine if they are eligible for the program. If they qualify, they will then proceed with the paperwork — staff can help in fill out forms, she added.

The rate is determined on a sliding scale based on income.

“We do everything we can to make it affordable for the individual,” she said.

While the primary focus is geared toward the elderly and veterans, they will consider people a little younger who have developmental disabilities.

Individuals also need to be a Dickinson or Iron County resident to qualify.

If a caregiver can’t provide transportation to the center, Billings will work with the DISCA transportation program to help with a schedule.

Billings said they appreciate all the positive feedback from families and clients.

“They are so supportive of what we do,” she said. “A family member wrote to us, ‘The staff members are angels without wings.'”

Volunteers first organized the Family Ties program in 1988 in a church basement. They moved to the Crystal Lake Community Center and then the YMCA. About eight years ago, they opened up at the current DICSA building at 1238 Carpenter Ave. in Iron Mountain.

“It’s been around for a long time and has done a lot of good for the community,” Billings said. “It’s a wonderful program — we have so much fun. We want to fill up again — we are a big family here.”

Anyone who wants to know more about the Family Ties Adult Center or how to enroll a person in the program can stop by the office during regular hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, contact Billings at 906-774-8032 or email bbillings@dicsami.org.