What exactly are Adult Day Care/Programs and who do they benefit? It is a question that is not asked enough, and because of that, I hope to enlighten the masses on the topic.
Adult Day Care Programs are a type of respite care, or short-term relief to the caregiver.
An Adult Day Care/Program is usually a place for older adults to interact and socialize with peers during the day and receive certain types of care- alleviating isolation and loneliness, which has been found to impact their health negatively.
The centers can serve those with physical or cognitive disabilities who may need more supervision and services; giving their family piece of mind and some mental health respite care. They can also be a good substitute for hiring in Home Health Care.
Some Services they offer are:
- Meals and Snacks
- Medication and pain management
- Social services- art, music, pet therapy
- Therapeutic services- physical, occupational, speech
- Emergency care
When to consider Adult Day Care
It is suggested that caregivers look into day care when they start seeing the following signs:
- Cannot plan or schedule activities/chores/errands for the day.
- Expresses loneliness or feels isolated and wishes to socialize with others.
- Has anxiety or depression and needs social and emotional support.
- Cannot focus on an activity, whether it’s a conversation, reading, watching TV, etc.
- Does not appear to be safe alone.
- Family caregivers need to be away for work and cannot be available during the day to assist.
- Hiring home health or a paid companion is not stimulating the older adult, which could hinder their mental and physical health.
How do you find an Adult Day Care/Program?
Many religious organizations have created programs, as well as some CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), VA centers, colleges and universities.
The National Adult Day Service Association (NADSA) has a way to search for registered Adult Day Care/Programs.
What is the cost?
The cost of an Adult Day Care/Program varies from place to place. Other factors that can affect the price are the number of days a week, the actual services provided (meals, medication management, toileting, etc.) making the price adjustable.
In the U.S., the average cost is $1,690 a month, or $78 per day, according to the 2021 “Cost of Care” survey (Genworth).
Medicare does not normally cover the cost of an Adult Day Care/Program, but Medicaid sometimes does, as well as some Long Term Care Insurances, Reverse Mortgage income, and the VA.
What to look for when visiting and reviewing a place.
If you are fortunate to be in a location with multiple programs and centers, I highly recommend visiting them in person.
Here is a list of things to consider:
- How long has the center been in operation?
- Who is in charge?
- What licenses, certifications, and accreditation does it have?
- What is the emergency procedure?
- What’s the ratio of staff to attendees ?
- What kind of training do employees receive? (especially Dementia training)
- What days and hours is it open?
- Does the center provide transportation?
- What’s the policy on late arrivals or pickups if you won’t be using transit services?
- Do they offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy?
- What kind of medication management can they provide?
- Does it have specialized care for those with memory loss?
- Does the center create individual care plans for attendees?
- How often are they updated and can family provide input?
- Is the center clean and has pleasant atmosphere?
- Is it wheelchair accessible?
- Is there a quiet area where one can relax if he or she needs a break?
- Are the restrooms conveniently located and outfitted with grab bars and space for wheelchairs?
- What meals and snacks are provided?
- Are attendees given options?
- Are special dietary needs met?
Be sure to support the one you are caring for in the first weeks of attending a new center or program!
Starting something new, including an adult day care can be stressful for most humans, especially an older person with dementia.
Once you have chosen a center, take the older adult you are caring for in a gradually. Starting with a lunch or activity in the first week, then start having them attend a couple of times a week for a half of a day. From there go to full days about three days a week, for a couple of weeks or so, before going all in with daily attendance.
Many people resist adult day care at first, but they often become comfortable after several weeks, as a part of their daily routine.
However, if they are truly not happy, or doing well in the program, take a pause from attending and then reintroduce it at another time.
