Adult Day Care Can Fill a Gap for Seniors and Their Caregivers
Most seniors are keen on staying in their homes as they age, but family caregivers often struggle to meet their loved ones’ needs and still carve out time for work, family time, hobbies, social engagements and leisure time. Caregivers can become overburdened quickly, and it is crucial to seek out help to keep from getting burned out.
Other family members and friends are frequently recruited for assistance, but these people have busy schedules, too, and are only willing to contribute so much of their time. In-home care is an excellent option, but some families are nervous about inviting a stranger into their home and the one-on-one dynamic isn’t a good fit for every senior. The only other option would appear to be a move to senior living, but there is one type of respite that falls in the middle of the elder care spectrum and allows seniors to stay in their homes: adult day care.
The Benefits of Adult Day Services
Adult day care is a mutually beneficial answer to the notorious respite care conundrum that so many seniors and caregivers face. There are different types of adult day facilities and services that feature activities, staff and equipment designed to fit the various levels of care that seniors require. Attendees can participate and socialize as much or as little as they please and there is ample supervision and care provided by staff.
Oftentimes, an aging parent is still cognitively sharp but their days lack outside interaction and structure, therefore they come to rely on their primary caregiver for all of their socialization. Spending a few days each week at a senior center could give them the opportunity to forge new friendships, engage in hobbies they enjoy and regain some purpose in their life.
Programs typically provide transportation, meals, a quiet area to rest, and plenty of supervised activities. Some centers can address the more significant care needs of seniors with dementia, incontinence, diabetes, or mobility issues. Typically referred to as adult day health centers (ADHCs), these facilities offer additional services like health monitoring, physical therapy, added security to prevent wandering, toileting assistance, and even bathing. Most ADHCs have a nurse on call or on the premises to administer medications as well.
For caregivers who need some downtime or must return to work, adult day services can be a lifesaver. Leaving aging loved ones home alone to sit in front of the television often leads to feelings of guilt and worry. If a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of…
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