Five Facts About Adult Day Care

With the growing population of aging Americans, including those with dementia and other health issues, Adult Day Care programs have become increasingly available and popular. With a day program, individuals can attend during the day and remain living at home and in the primary care of a family or other caregiver. While day programs may not be appropriate for everyone, they can be a key part of a family’s care community.

Adult day care programs allow family caregivers to work, take care of other responsibilities or to take a break from the consuming and exhausting realities of caregiving. Finding the right program and a good fit for your loved one can be a challenge – it is important to choose a program in which you feel comfortable and confident, so dropping off your loved one will be positive experience for both of you, not an additional worry.

Even moderate-sized communities now have adult day programs. Check around and investigate what is available. A senior community center, local hospital, or your government Department of Senior Services should be able to help you with referrals and suggestions for programs. Visit the facilities and talk with staff so you can have your questions answered and make informed comparisons and decisions about available programs.
Things to look for in choosing an adult day care program:

1. What is the client population? Consider the individuals attending the program and whether it would be a good fit for your loved one. Is it primarily individuals with dementia, or are there adults with other disabilities. How do the clients interact with each other and how is the day organized and structured? You will be able to gauge whether your loved one will feel comfortable and content.

2. What is the staff like? Investigate the professional capability and capacity of the staff. What is the staff to client ratio? Is there high staff turnover? Talk to staff members other than the director and observe how participants and staff interact with each other. Ask whether the staff is experienced in dealing with any behaviors you may be concerned about or know to be an issue with your loved one.

3. What sort of services does the program provide or support, in addition to activities? Many adult day programs now offer personal hygiene assistance (bathing, hairstyling, etc.), help with transportation to doctor’s appointments, counseling, and other services. Find out if the program offers these services as part of the program or as extra, auxiliary components to the regular program.

4. What is the facility like? You’ll want to tour the facility and see if it is clean, appropriate and accessible for adults and seniors with disabilities. If there is a kitchen, ask to see it and tour any showering/bathing and restroom facilities. Do activities take place outdoors as well as indoors. Some programs have gardens, pets and other homelike amenities participants enjoy.

5. Finally, What is the cost? For most of us, cost will certainly be a factor and you will want to find out how the fee structure works, whether insurance can be billed directly, and whether or not there is a sliding fee available for various income levels. Be sure to ask if activities such as field trips, outings to a community pool, or other activities will cost extra or be included in a set monthly, weekly or daily charge.

The advent and available of adult day care programs provides individuals with social connection and stimulating activity, while it allows primary caregivers to take care of other family responsibilities. It can definitely be a win/win situation for those involved. Take you time and put some careful effort into your investigations, and you should be able to find a program both you and your loved one are pleased with.