BUSINESS PROFILE: Touch of Gray
Touch of Gray, located in Glencoe, will have open house on June 22
By Scott Thoma
After owning and operating Guardian In Home Health & Security in Glencoe for the past 14 years, Sonya and Allan Borg decided to also offer a place for caregivers that are looking for a safe and engaging environment for their loved ones so they can take care of other responsibilities.
This past October, Touch of Gray Adult Day Center became a reality for the Borgs.
“We’ve heard from some of our home health care client’s spouses that they wanted to be able to take a break at their home sometimes, and they also wanted their loved one to have more social opportunities,” said Sonya. “So, we decided to start Touch of Gray.”
To make it even easier for a caregiver or a participant, transportation within a 25-mile radius to and from Touch of Gray is available through Trailblazer Transit at a minimal cost.
Touch of Gray will have an Open House from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, that will also include food, games, and activities for those attending.
Touch of Gray offers supervision, nursing care, therapy, activities, outings, lunch, snacks, and more.
“Choices are available all day long,” Sonya said. “Don’t like playing cards? Then paint instead. Don’t like to do crafts? Join the current event discussion instead. There are up to four different small group activities going on at the same time.”
There are more than 80 highly-qualified and trained Nursing Assistants contracted through Guardian that also assist with Touch of Gray to serve every need.
“We have a registered nurse who helps the participants with their medicine or any other medical needs,” said Allan. “We also have a nurse’s station with a place to lie down in case someone isn’t feeling well or has a medical concern.”
A registered nurse will conduct routine health assessments, manage care plans, as well as provide skilled nursing services as needed to ensure each participant’s optimal health and wellness. Those services are adapted to fit your needs.
The Borgs beautifully renovated and modernized a building they purchased in July of 2022. Touch of Gray now includes an activities kitchen, a large physical therapy room that includes a fireplace and a large flatscreen television, and more.
“We have a licensed physical therapist who designs physical therapy plans for every need based on a participant’s ability,” said Sonya. The participant can then follow these programs on the big-screen television with onsite staff assistance.
The super large televisions are specifically designed to enhance visibility, while reclining chairs with blankets provide comfort and support while viewing television or just relaxing. Several lift chairs are also in place for those that need a boost.
“We also have an additional space available for participants who do better with one-on-one attention or a smaller group,” Sonya said.
Lunch is catered by Bump’s Family Restaurant in Glencoe, which became famous a few years ago when it was voted “Best Beef Commercials in Minnesota” by WCCO-TV. A registered dietician organizes with Bump’s to oversee meal planning, and to assure that Touch of Gray participants have lunch and snack choices that are well-balanced and nutritious.
Those who wish to utilize Touch of Gray Adult Day Center are not obligated to contract for an entire day if it is not needed.
“We offer several options for people up to five days a week,” said Sonya. “They can contract for all day, or just in the morning, or just in the afternoon. That’s entirely up to whatever fits their needs.”
Some of the outings that Touch of Gray offers include fishing, pontoon rides, museum visits, and baseball games.
“When meeting the Borgs, it’s easy to tell that they genuinely care about helping the elderly in any way they can. They are extremely organized and seem to have covered every base. There is no need to worry about your loved one being taken care of properly at Touch of Gray. The problem might be that they won’t want to go home at the end of the day,” said Steve T.
Clients who have been utilizing Guardian Home Health Care have been nothing short of pleased with the way the Borgs handle their business.
“We thank you for the great help, support, and care we received. We have to rely on you very heavily, and appreciated the ethics, talents, and delightful hearts of each helper you sent us. We are richer for having been exposed to such quality caregivers. We’d recommend Guardian to anyone,” said Connie M., the daughter of a Guardian client.
The Borgs carefully plan out everything based on the needs of participants. A daily posting on a large wipe-off board lists the time of each happening throughout the day, including in order: morning snack, physical therapy, reading, crafts, recreation, sensory activity, lunch, movie or games, physical therapy, BINGO, current events, afternoon snack.
“With Guardian In Home Health, we offer an avenue for people to still stay in their home and receive care, even those with the most extreme conditions,’ said Allan. “Sometimes, though, a caregiver who can take care of a loved one in their home needs and deserves a break, so they can send them to Touch of Gray. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Touch of Gray is located at 2031 10th Street East in Glencoe. They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to set up a visit, call 320-864-2979 or email info@touchofgraydaycenter.com. You can also visit them on their website at www.touchofgraydaycenter.com or on their Facebook page.
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