A new daycare has opened its doors, welcoming manamko to hang out and make new friends.

The Helping Hands Adult Daycare is the first privately owned and social daycare on Guam. Adult daycare centers were designed to provide care and companionship for the elderly who need assistance or supervision during the day.

Owner Maelonie Tamondong said their mission is to assist manamko and maintain their choice to remain as independent and as healthy as possible while providing caregiver support to their families. She explained what makes this service different from senior centers.

"It's different for the mayor senior centers because we don't just provide a place for them to come and socialize and activities but also go a step further to make sure that they are in a protective setting, they can not just wonder, you know we are there to make sure they are closely monitored and supervised," she said. "We do provide nutrition so there are healthy snacks and meals throughout the day and we have a place for them to rest. We have beds available, we have a sofa area, a library area where they can just come to read."

Other services and activities being offered are field trips, community and event programs, recreational activities such as bingo, arts and crafts, mental stimulation, yoga, and music entertainment.

The daycare held its soft opening on Thursday, at the Guam Business Center in Harmon and is licensed to take care of 30 adults but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be chopped down to 15 for now.

"So right now we are just in the pre-registration process and are accepting the registration for our opening on June 15," Tamondong said. "We suggest that if you would like to know more about the rates you can come by or give us a call at 633-CARE (2273)."

It's been a long time coming, Tamondong says she is happy and excited to offer these services for the community because it is much needed on the island.

"We're looking to bring positivity to the community, especially to our seniors," she said. "Quality care is needed for everyone, not just children so we really gotta take care of our elderly and that's what we wanna do."

The Helping Hands Adult Daycare is located at the Guam Business Center in Harmon and will hold there grand opening on June 15.

Email helpinghandsguam@outlook.com for more information.