By CRAIG FREILICH

HANNAWA FALLS – The owners of a Raquette riverside restaurant want to make it a day care and activity center for senior citizens.

Ron Robert of Colton said Peace of Mind at the Shoreline could be in operation as soon as April, but he said he and his wife Nancy want to get a feel for whether or not there will be enough interest before they commit to the idea.

“We just want some feedback, to see if people would be interested, if people feel they need it,” Robert said. “In discussions so, far, it appears there is a need. I really think there is a need.”

Those discussions began at a support group for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, which the Roberts attended to get help in working through Nancy’s mother’s affliction.

The plan would have Peace of Mind at the Shoreline open 10 hours a day, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, taking seniors into a relaxing waterfront spot with lots of room indoors and out for socializing and entertainment such as board games, bingo and cards, and serving breakfast and lunch to those who want it.

Ownership of the Shoreline Restaurant – most recently called the Shorelounge – has reverted to the Roberts after a land contract with the operator of the Shorelounge fell through.

The new business would sustain itself by charging hourly, half-day or full-day rates, Robert said.

“We’re still working on it. We’re trying to keep the rate way down, and still keep it going.”

Robert says neither Medicare nor Medicaid would be involved.

He says there will be professional staff, a nurse and an attendant present at all times.

Noting that there is nothing quite like a senior daycare nearby, Robert says the idea was not theirs, but that others came to him and Nancy with it.

“They approached us,” he said of the retired nurse and a couple of other professionals who began the discussion. That alone gave him the notion that “there is a need for this.

“If a family wants to go shopping for a couple of hours, for instance, they can drop off their senior knowing that professional help will be taking care of them.”

He said staff would be prepared to do things such as take blood pressure readings and dispense medication, if called for.

Robert said there will be no age limit.

The Roberts are encouraging people to call them at 262-2702 to tell them how they feel about the idea or for more information.