Adult Day Care
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Adult day care is a new idea in senior service that can create better living conditions and quality of life for many seniors. Usually it occurs during normal working hours so caregivers can work, while their adult seniors enjoy social and health services with other seniors. Quality of life improves for everyone, and the family can remain together, rather than splitting with the senior by sending them to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Adult day care is becoming so popular that facilities are springing up all across the country, so it may not be difficult to find a good day care facility in your own area.
Who Can Use It?
Most seniors who take part in adult day care are not able to live on their own, but are healthy enough to live with friends or relatives, and need some assistance during the day. They may have health concerns such as Alzheimer's or other illnesses that require constant care, and the caregivers need time to work or take care of other family members.
Adult day care provides a safe environment where seniors can interact with other seniors, while receiving the medical care they need. Some centers provide only social care, while others provide both medical and social care. Both types of centers usually provide meals, outings, activities, and professional supervision.
Finding a Day Care Center
There are several things caregivers should consider when looking for an adult day care facility. First, you should make sure the facility you're considering has the correct licenses to administer medications and provide medical help if necessary. The facility should have areas for bathing and hair washing, and should have a staff with professional qualifications, including medical certification. Meals should be nutritionally balanced, and outings should be supervised. There should be plenty of activities to keep the seniors active and alert, and the center should provide round trip transportation to and from the center.
The Bottom Line
As much as we don't want to admit it, getting older can mean losing the ability to take care of ourselves completely. Adult day care allows seniors to live with their loved ones, rather than in a retirement or nursing home, and still allows them the opportunity to interact socially with other seniors. It allows adult caregivers to work outside the home, care for other family members, and even get a few days rest themselves.
Medicaid will pay for adult day care in certain circumstances, and most programs run about $40 to $50 per day, depending on the type of care provided and the area. Adult day care can be the perfect solution to keeping a family together, while providing a safe and secure environment for your loved one.
