DuPage County Convalescent Center

Special Programs

Pet Friends

Pet therapy is a part of the daily activity for the residents. A large bird aviary is located by the residents dining room on 1 South. Bird cages with a variety of birds are located throughout the facility and the residents assist in their care. We also have several fish aquariums located throughout the facility.

Pets are welcome anytime during visiting hours. Every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. our Animal Shelter Pals, from the DuPage County Animal Shelter, visit in the recreation room to socialize and interact with the residents.

Arts & Crafts Program

Our arts and crafts program is open to all residents. All of our craft programs are adapted for individuals with disabilities. Residents are invited to come and work on any craft once a week. The resident can pick their own project. The resident pays only for the supplies that he or she uses. The resident can work for the arts & crafts department and receive pay for their work. The Arts & Crafts Department is located in the Center building on the 2nd floor.

The Fiber Arts Department is open on Tuesday from 8:30 to 12:30 and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Woodshop is open on Monday and Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The Ceramics classes are held Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Anyone interested in weaving on Thursday mornings can come in anytime, looms are available.

Many of the items made by our residents are for sale and can be purchased by visiting our reception area in the main lobby or by attending the DuPage County Fall Festival , Winter Holiday Sale or our Spring Sale. For information on these events, contact the Recreation Department at 630-784-4301. Proceeds from these sales go to the Resident Life Enrichment Fund.

Many of these programs are run by volunteers. Anyone wanting to become a volunteer should contact our volunteer office at 630-784-4260.

Donka Computer Training Program

Donka, Inc. is a separate non-profit organization providing no-cost computer training to persons with physical and visual disabilities. The computers are specially designed to accommodate the physical ability and skill level of the resident/student. Once the training program is completed, the resident can independently utilize the computer lab.

Donka has three primary goals:
1. Provide a credible computer training program to people with disabilities.
2. Provide adequate training and experience to enable students to pursue further education or to seek employment.
3. Provide a way for disabled people to utilize their intellectual abilities, increase their self-esteem, and become more self-sufficient, independent members of the community.

The Donka computer lab is located on the ground floor of our East building. DPCC residents (who are graduates of the Donka program) use the lab regularly in the afternoons, evenings and weekends to write letters, make cards, surf the net, and e-mail friends and family. Hours are posted on a weekly basis. No one is allowed in the Donka computer lab after 9:00 p.m.

For more information on Donka, Inc visit their web site www.donkainc.org

Horticulture Therapy Program

Our Horticulture Therapy Program provides residents with an opportunity to cultivate their interests in gardening. For several years in a row, our Horticulture Therapy Program has won an award in the Enabling Garden Design from The Chicago Botanical Garden Society. The Garden has also won several ribbons at the DuPage County Fair including a Grand Champion Award won by a resident for a homegrown sunflower.

This program offers a raised garden area that enables physically impaired residents the ability to independently participate. The garden has newly installed composting bins and verandas have been added. The Wheaton Rotary Club has recently donated a wheelchair accessible garden shed.

Residents are also welcome to keep plants in their rooms or may volunteer to assist in caring for facility plants. With places to sit and relax, opportunities to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the sensory garden, or visit with friends, the garden offers something for everyone.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our many programs including the Enabling Garden. Residents and their families are invited to learn more about gardening opportunities by calling 630-784-4301. The cost to participate in the gardening program is $12.50 which covers the cost of plantings for the upcoming season.

The garden entrance is located across from the Recreation Room on 1 Center.