Gentog LLC

We love gentog!! Our LO has been attending since he was three months old and receives excellent attention and care. Pictures and updates are sent throughout the day and if there is any safety or physical/developmental concern they let us know immediately. Caitlyn always had great advice for his growing needs like suggestions for teething relief or his readiness for solids. We are so grateful for the staff and resources gentog offers especially the opportunity to interact with ‘vintage’ clientele. We love them.

The original meaning of the word “oasis” was a place providing both water and shade, and thereby the chance to rest, to revive, and then to move forward. Gentog, the Intergenerational Daycare Center for Seniors and Young Children, is in exactly this way an oasis for caregivers of seniors whose survival and wellbeing depend on the love and unwavering commitment of at least one other person. When the role of caregiver is first assumed, most often by a spouse or a close family member, that person almost always accepts the responsibilities without knowing how their attachment will be tested in the months and often years ahead. And no matter how strong the commitment, nor how diligent they are or how skillful they become, there almost always comes a moment when they will recognize in themselves the need for rest and revival if they are to continue this journey. I first learned about Gentog because nearly a decade ago I had seen a documentary on the work being done at a similar (but much larger) facility near Tokyo, Japan. When the facility had first opened, its large and mostly young professional staff discovered that there were no nearby preschool facilities for their own children, so they created their own. Very quickly, because of frequent and unplanned interactions between the children and the client seniors, they realized that these interactions had changed the nature of the care being provided both for the seniors and for the children. Once that observation grew into a mature, professional awareness that a society of children and seniors is enormously beneficial to both, a new system of care was born. My wife has been coming to Gentog for just over six months, usually spending at least 6 hours, 3 or 4 days a week, as what we have come to call her “consultancy and masters’ program in jigsaw puzzles.” As a retired teacher, she did not want to come to a place like this to sit and watch television; she wanted a purpose, and a real community. And because the staff at Gentog is young, bright, observant, dynamic, and deeply caring about the meaning and vitality of their own work, it wasn’t long before this teacher (who no longer knows where she lives, or the names of members of her own family) had found a purpose again, and has reawakened to a life that energizes and fulfills her. There is much more I could write here by way of my own background, or description and praise of Gentog and its staff, but if you are yourself a caregiver in need of an oasis, if what I have said already does not make you want to come to see what this place is, nothing further would likely make a difference. There is a standing invitation to bring your beloved other here to see what the place is like. We accepted that offer and have never been happier with an impulse to go see with our own eyes.

Gentog is amazing! I'm so glad I found them! We love their multi-generational model! Their staff is kind, welcoming and well trained for the work they do. My loved one has always loved being around kids, and now she can be a "Gentog Grandparent." The supervised activities with the kids are the highlight of her day. She also loves music, and she never disappoints - when the live music starts at Gentog, she's getting her groove on! The staff always has fun activities that encourage engagement and bring joy and enrichment to the day. I also appreciate that they offer support for the caregivers and family members, including trainings and resources. I learned so much about dementia from their trainings that helped me be a better caregiver to my loved one. I wish Gentog would open another location on the east-side of the river, but it is absolutely worth the drive time for the joy and socialization it provides my loved one, and the break it provides for me. I recommend Gentog to anyone navigating the journey of dementia with a loved one.

Gentog is incredible beyond words. My daughter attended there from infancy to kindergarten, and my son has been there from infancy and he is now nearly 3. They are happy, bright, well-adjusted kiddos. They're so deeply loved at Gentog that they often want to stay longer just to hang out when I go to pick them up! Also- my daughter just started kindergarten and she was remarkably well prepared. Her teacher said she was well ahead of her peers in the pre-kinder testing and I credit that all to Gentog's pre-k program. You'll be so happy to make Gentog a part of your family.

All the wonderful care and activities and individual attention has had a powerful impact slowing the progression of my LO’s dementia. He has fallen in love with GenTog and the people there. “I get to be with people I would never otherwise meet.” He has no children, so getting to be a “grampa” to the little is a special treat. He has even resumed reading books! Large print makes it possible. The level of support for caregivers is life- and sanity-saving. The long days (8-5, but less is OK; we never arrive before 9) are a godsend, and they’re also open on Saturdays. Discovering GenTog has changed our lives.