The benefits of adult daycare are many and are a real blessing for not only the person who needs the care but also for the caregiver who either has to work to pay the family’s bills or else needs a respite from the constant care that many such adults require. There are approximately 4,000 adult daycare centers in the USA according to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA). There has been a tremendous increase as the elder population has rapidly escalated, especially in the realm of those who are still basically healthy and do not require the care of an assisting living facility or nursing home.
The adult may be hesitant to leave home and be part of unfamiliar surroundings, and the caregiver may feel somewhat guilty about allowing strangers to care for the loved one. If they both see how interesting the socializing is and how much less boring life will be for the center participant, it will hopefully put a different light on the subject.
A visit to the selected adult daycare center along with the caregiver is definitely number one on the agenda. That is, however, after the caregiver has gone to several centers, has done the preliminary investigations of what is offered and the licensing and reputation of the centers and their staff certifications, and made a basic choice as to which one seems to be the best. Ask for references to talk to about the care given to their loved ones.
How does one find the best center to meet the needs of their family member? Recommendations can come from a doctor, social services, the health department, Yellow Pages, or by calling the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-677-1116.
Although most centers operate during daytime hours of the five weekdays, it is necessary to find one that fits in with the working hours of the caregiver. Sometimes the working hours vary or are unusual, and the whole point of adult daycare is to relieve the caregiver of responsibility during working times.
Make sure that the center is safe and cheerful and that the employees are friendly and caring of older people.
Are there easy regular exercises that are joined into by everyone? Is there assistance with walking or eating if needed?
See what type of meals and snacks are being served and if they are nutritious. Also, some people need special diets, so see if the center provides that when required.
Check out the types of activities and arts and crafts that are offered and if there are groups of singers and/or musicians who come in on occasion to entertain. Are there regular games such as bingo or card or board games? Are movies rented to show to the people? Are there discussion groups about books or movies or current events?
Do they celebrate birthdays with some type of fanfare?
The cost of such adult daycare can be totally or partially paid for by Medicaid for those with a low income and few assets, perhaps on a sliding scale by the center itself depending on income, or by some private medical insurance policies or long-term care insurance. Check into these sources for whatever financial aid they can provide.
