IN Norwin Winter 2016 | Page 33

• 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 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: 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. Costs and financial assistance for adult day care In the U.S., the average cost for an adult day care center is about $64 per day, depending on where you live and the services provided (e.g., meals, transportation, nursing supervision). Professional health care services will mean higher fees. Many facilities offer services on a sliding fee scale, meaning that what you pay is based on your income and ability to pay. While Medicare does not cover adult day care centers, Medicaid will pay most or all of the costs in licensed adult day health care settings and Alzheimer’s-focused centers for participants with very low income and few assets. Be sure to ask about financial assistance and possible scholarships. Private medical insurance policies sometimes cover a portion of adult day care center costs when licensed medical professionals are involved in the care. Longterm care insurance may also pay for adult day services, depending on the policy. Additionally, dependent-care tax credits may be available to the caregiver. n © Helpguide.org. Helpguide.org is a trusted nonprofit guide to mental health and well-being. 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. Norwin | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 31