IN Woodland Hills Winter 2016

SPECIAL SECTION: SENIOR LIVING • 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, healthfocused, 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 Questions to ask an adult day care center provider When you contact the adult day care center(s) you’ve chosen to consider, NADSA suggests asking the following questions: • Who owns or sponsors the adult day care center? • How long has it been operating? • Is it licensed or certified (if required in your country or state)? • What are the days and hours of operation? • Is transportation to and from the adult day care center provided? • Which conditions are accepted (e.g., memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence)? • What are the staff ’s credentials, and what is the ratio of staff to participants? • What activities are offered? Are there a variety of individual and group programs? • Are meals and snacks included? Are special diets accommodated? Visiting an adult day care center Spend a day at the adult day care center that sounds best to you, so you can get a “feel” for the people and the environment. Also, check out references. Talk to others who have used the adult day care center and ask for their opinions. You may wish to try out different adult day care centers a few times each to see whether your experience on different days confirms your initial impressions. Be sure to bring the following site visit checklist with you each time. Adult day care center site visit checklist: • Did you feel welcome? • Were the center services and activities properly explained? • Were you given information regarding staffing, programming, and costs? • Is the facility clean, pleasant, and free of odor? • Is the building and site wheelchair accessible? • Is the furniture sturdy and comfortable? • Are there loungers and chairs with arms for relaxation? • Is there a quiet place in the center? • Did the staff and participants seem cheerful and comfortable? • Are participants involved in planning activities? Source: National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) 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. Long-term 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. 26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Woodland Hills

IN Woodland Hills Winter 2016 | Page 28