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About Us

What Makes Us Different

In 1985, the very first SarahCare Center opened its doors in Canton, Ohio. Originally called S.A.R.A.H. (Senior Adult Recreation and Health), the facility was one of the first intergenerational sites in the U.S. The senior adult day care center was located next to a child day care center and served as a training and research site for the development of other unique intergenerational programs across the country.

Eventually, directors transitioned S.A.R.A.H.’s name to Sarah Center and, finally, to SarahCare demonstrating the philosophy of care administered to our seniors and their families.

A significant shift in our approach to caring for families and primary family caregivers was a result of Dr. Merle Griff’s experience caring for her mother in her own home, until she passed away. Dr. Griff, founder of SarahCare and experienced gerontologist, was unable to find suitable options for the families she worked with and for her own mother, who had suffered a severe stroke. Dr. Griff’s personal experience led her to expand SarahCare’s services to include more programs designed to ease the stress of family caregivers and help them make their lives a little easier.

Dr. Griff combined her skills as a healthcare professional for senior patients and a caregiver for her mother to develop the SarahCare Way. She brought to life the importance of a social atmosphere to enable seniors to retain their independence and interact with others they may share interests with, while being cared for and receiving the assistance they need.

The concept really caught on! Caregivers and seniors responded with enthusiasm to the new approach to care. Currently, SarahCare has locations in 13 states throughout the U.S.

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SarahCare is looking out for the well-being of your loved one and helping to make your life just a little bit easier.

Merle D. Griff, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO

Meet Dr. Merle

Merle D. Griff, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of SarahCare, is one of the leading authorities on the care of seniors in the United States.

Dr. Merle has served on numerous national boards and task forces including being past Chairperson of the Board of Directors for NADSA (National Adult Day Services Association), member of the International Advisory Board for CARF (Commission on the Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities) and a task force member for the study of adult day care in the U.S for the Assistant Secretary of Program and Evaluation in The Department of Aging. She has been an invited presenter at both international and national conferences including the World Congress of Family and Child and the International  Conference of Educateurs.

She began her professional career working with children and youth as a play therapist. She developed therapeutic techniques that have been published and used throughout the world, namely Family Play Therapy and Intergenerational Play Therapy. As Director of the McKinley Center Intergenerational Project, she developed many programs that brought together children from babies through college-age with seniors.

Dr. Merle is the author of Linkages, a book based on research intergenerational programs, and numerous book chapters and journal articles on topics such as the role of grandparents in family systems.

Dr. Merle has a podcast, Caught Between Generations, that addresses the issues faced by caregivers in “the sandwich generation.” These people often are dealing with the stress of work and raising their own young families, but also may be caring for a parent or other adult loved one. Archived episodes may be found on Amazon or your other favorite podcast source. Look for new episodes to be released in the summer of 2022. Dr. Merle will have new guests, some repeat favorite guests, and will tackle issues facing caregivers, aging adults, as well as everyday issues that cause us all stress in our lives.

SarahCare is proud to have been continually accredited by CARF International since 2003. CARF’s rigid standards are the foundation upon which our entire system is built. 

 

Watch the video to see why CARF accreditation is important to us and why it should be important to you as you search for the perfect senior care option for your loved one. 

 

See what others have to say about SarahCare!

Testimonials

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SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

It’s tough being a caregiver! Selecting health care options, making tough decisions about living arrangements and looking out for the overall best interest of your senior loved one can be stressful and challenging. But it helps when you have some resources at your disposal to turn to for good advice or information.

The National Adult Day Services Association provides excellent information for caregivers about adult day care services, checklists for site visits and advice about various caregiver services.

Depending on your senior’s health condition, the Alzheimer’s Association is a wealth of knowledge and advice. Along with the national organization, many other communities or regions have local chapters. Contact the national organization for details about meetings in your region or network with your local hospital for more information.

Other health-related support and information may be found at the following websites:

we care for your loved one as you would 

 

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