Briarcliff Lodge is daytime home to seniors

LYNN – Briarcliff Lodge was the last place Jack Harrington wanted to spend his days, but when adult day program vice president Darcey Adams asked the Marine veteran what would make him happy, Harrington answered, “I want a flagpole.”Adams didn?t waste any time granting Harrington?s wish: With help from Frank Romano, president of the Rowley-based company that provides senior care at Briarcliff, she completed a longtime effort by Harrington?s fellow veterans to make sure an American flag flies above Briarcliff.Located off Lynnfield Street and built as a dance hall in 1904, Briarcliff is now home to PondView, one of five adult day programs run by Romano?s Essex Group Management. PondView took over senior care services in Briarcliff in May, boosting the number of seniors served from 75 to 103, and completing interior renovations in November.?We did an extreme makeover in three weeks: Everything is new here – the paint, the floors,” Adams said.Harrington and other PondView clients spend two to six days a week in the program, arriving in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. Their days in the big building overlooking Sluice Pond include meals, socializing with friends, and participating in activities ranging from dancing to playing Wii baseball.Clients range in age from some in their 50s to a 98-year-old. Some live on their own while others live with family. Adams said most PondView clients have multiple medical problems that result in doctors or loved ones referring them to the adult day program.Harrington said forgetfulness regarding his medication schedule brought him to Briarcliff in 2010.?When I came here at first I hated it – I turned around and walked out. I thought I wouldn?t have any freedom; that I would just be sitting at a table all day,” he said.His attitude changed when adult day workers encouraged him to begin gardening. The Peabody resident who spent 12 years in the Marine Corps began to socialize with other seniors and volunteered to help fellow clients.When PondView acquired the adult day program, Harrington and Adams joined forces to complete the veterans? campaign to buy a flagpole. Adams said Vietnam veteran Romano jumped on the goal and now raising and lowering the flag is part of Harrington?s daily PondView routine.?I put it up at 8 a.m. – it?s very important,” he said.PondView recently extended its hours to Saturday to help clients and their families and made Briarcliff?s remodeled interior even more inviting by letting director Lisa Hooper?s dog, Lucy, and Adams? dog, Darwin, roam the halls and rooms.?We have made it warmer – more residential – and everyone here brings a gift,” she said.