SPECIAL SECTION : SENIOR LIVING
third type of day care provides social and health services specifically for seniors with Alzheimer ’ s or a related type of dementia .
Services provided by adult day care centers
A well-run adult day care center ’ s goals will focus on enriching the participants ’ lives , building upon their skills , knowledge , and unique abilities and strengths . Below are some of the activities that may be available :
• Arts and crafts
• Musical entertainment and sing-a-longs
• Mental stimulation games such as bingo
• Stretching or other gentle exercise
• Discussion groups ( books , films , current events )
• Holiday and birthday celebrations
• Local outings
Some centers offer programs that include children . Besides recreational activities , some adult day care centers provide transportation to and from the center , social services including counseling and support groups for caregivers , and health support services such as blood pressure monitoring and vision screening .
Benefits of adult day care
Almost Family , an adult day care center provider in both the U . S . and Canada , summarizes the benefits of adult day care
well : “ Adult day care offers a win / win situation for everyone in the family — not only the client or member who attends the program , but also for the family member who has primary responsibility as caregiver . Adult day care provides a much-needed respite for the caregiver , affording a break from the physical demands and stress of providing round-the-clock care .”
For the participant , an adult day care center ’ s benefits can be extensive :
• A safe , secure environment in which to spend the day
• Enjoyable and educational activities
• Improvement in mental and physical health
• Enhanced or maintained level of independence
• Socialization and peer support
• Nutritious meals and snacks
Is an adult day care center right for my loved one ?
Good candidates for adult day care centers are seniors who :
• Can benefit from the friendship and functional assistance a day care center offers
• May be physically or cognitively challenged but do not require 24-hour supervision
• Are in the early stages of Alzheimer ’ s disease
• Are mobile , with the possible assistance of a cane , walker , or wheelchair
• Are continent ( in most cases )
When to opt for an adult day care center
As a senior , it can be challenging to admit that you need help , especially if you ’ ve been a highly independent person used to caring for others all your life . And if you ’ re the caregiver , it may be equally difficult to consider allowing “ strangers ” to care for your beloved family member .
As with any service , the best time to start exploring what ’ s available is before you actually need it . According to ElderCare Online , you should seriously consider using adult day care when a senior :
• Can no longer structure his or her own daily activities
• Is isolated and desires companionship
• Can ’ t be safely left alone at home
• Lives with someone who works outside the home or who is frequently away from home for other reasons
Finding the right adult day care center for your family ’ s needs
The National Adult Day Services Association ( NADSA ) recommends you start by asking yourself what specific services both the senior adult and the caregiver need most . For the day care participant , are social activities primary ? Assistance with walking , eating or medications ? Mental stimulation ? Exercise ? As a caregiver , is support what you need most ? Some free time ? Help with transportation ? Answering these questions will help you determine which of the three main types of adult day care centers ( social , health-focused , and Alzheimer ’ s / dementia oriented ) will best serve you .
Where to locate adult day care centers
For assistance in finding local centers , you can try :
• Your family doctor
• Local social services or health department
• Mental health centers
• Local senior center
• Area Agency on Aging in the U . S . ( Call 1.800.677.1116 for the AAA in your area .)
• Yellow Pages listings under Adult Day Care , Aging Services , Senior Citizens ’ Services , and similar categories
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