Norwalk gives OK to adult daycare facility

Photo by Alex Dominguez

NORWALK - A proposed adult day healthcare facility got the green light from Norwalk’s Planning Commission at their meeting Wednesday evening.

The planned facility will occupy a previously empty, two-story commercial building located at 11745 Firestone Blvd.

A staff of approximately 12 full time staff and 18 independently contracted employees will offer professional nursing services, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, mental health services, therapeutic activities, social services, personal care, hot meals, nutritional counseling, and transportation to and from the participant’s residence.

According to the project applicant, these services are under the Community-based Adult Services (CBAS) program, administered between the Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the Department of Aging.

The CBAS is designed with the hopes of delaying or preventing the institutionalization of eligible older adults and adults with chronic medical, mental, or cognitive who may otherwise be at risk for as long as possible.

It is anticipated that the facility will be serving 220 clients, admitted in increments of 40 per month from the start of operations until capacity has been reached at the sixth month. It is currently planned to operate Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for participants, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for facility staff.

Of those clients, it is believed that a majority will utilize the bus transportation. Those who don’t will be dropped off by a family member, caretaker, or the like.

Commissioner Kim Apodaca called the project, “a great improvement [to the area].”

Commissioner Linda Lopez said she agreed with Apodaca, adding “I think this will be a great addition to the city.”