A HEALTH(IER) SOLUTION ADULT DAY CARE CENTER FILLS NEED, KEEPS COSTS DOWN.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

VAN NUYS - Al Gaines sits idly in his wheelchair, not phased by the clattering of canes and walkers in the hall.

``I'm used to these noises,'' said Gaines, his voice hampered and eyes glazed from medication. A cluster of seniors gather around a bed of soil and arthritic hands soon become dirtied from potting flowers.

It's just past noon at Healthy Solutions in Van Nuys, an adult day care center that opened its doors last fall. Rising costs associated with sending family members to nursing homes has garnered Healthy Solutions some popularity as a practical alternative.

For Gaines, 28, multiple sclerosis has rendered the poet a frequent visitor to nursing homes. Though significantly younger than the average age of most residents, Gaines has already grown highly critical of the facilities he's frequented.

``It's easy for me tell what the care is going to be within minutes of entering a new facility,'' said Gaines, who prefers to go by ``Big Al.''

Before arriving at Healthy Solutions, Gaines had spent time at several nursing homes throughout the San Fernando Valley. He said most were filthy, with staffs that were often overworked and irritable. He decided to give Healthy Solutions a chance because the center didn't require spending the night and it gave him a sense of independence.

``Food is real important, too. And I like the meals here. They have a nutritionist that talks to me about my diet,'' said Gaines, a vegan.

The average cost of a nursing home stay in the Los Angeles area is $175 per day for a private room, slightly ahead of $168 U.S. average, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Healthy Solutions is only open during the day, costing less than half the citywide average - about $70 per day, according to Dr. Cheri Shapiro, administrator and medical director.

Medi-Cal, in many cases, covers the entire cost because Healthy Solutions is an Adult Day Health Care facility - an important distinction, Shapiro said. The California Department of Health Services grants licenses to facilities like Healthy Solutions, enabling them to receive reimbursements from Medi-Cal.

``Nursing homes are also eligible for Medi-Cal, but you're dealing with a 24-hour institution where people cannot live in their homes anymore,'' said Phyllis Muchmore, a nursing consultant for DHS. ``There a quite a few Adult Day Health Care facilities out there right now, and with the boomers getting older, they'll probably become more popular.''

Elizabeth Smith, director of social services at Healthy Solutions, said the license issued by DHS improves the quality of care immensely. Many of the physically impaired people that walk through Healthy Solution's doors require more than just a hot meal or a comfortable place to sit, she said.

Azim Zolriasatein and his wife found Healthy Solutions several months ago. ``I'm very fortunate to be here right now,'' said Zolriasatein, who asked a nurse to translate his native Farsi.

Zolriasatein, 75, had cared for his wife by himself before he learned about Healthy Solutions. He said he was conflicted because he couldn't bear the emotional grief of admitting his wife to a nursing home. However, his inability to speak English, coupled with his lack of medical expertise became a severe detriment to his wife's health.

So, Zolriasatein began sifting for possible remedies - keeping in mind his No.1 priority: not parting with his wife. That's when Healthy Solutions surfaced.

Today, a van arrives at Zolriasatein's home in the morning. Both he and his wife are shuttled to Healthy Solutions. His wife receives the care she needs for her ailments, while Zolriasatein chats with those people who are simply at the facility for social reasons.

A few paces from a window in the lounge, a drawing is situated on an easel. Smith points to the colorful sketch, explaining that Zolriasatein is the artist. The picture portrays a young boy surrounded by trees.

``He's able to see himself as young boy again. We're thankful for that,'' Smith said.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Dr. Cheri Shapiro, administrator and medical director of Healthy Solutions, says the facility's hours helps keep costs down.

(2) Elizabeth Smith, director of social services at Healthy Solutions, gives Juan Navarrete, left, a hand at the Van Nuys adult day care health facility.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer