Last Updated on October 25, 2018
It’s a question that you ponder about when you are taking care of your loved ones. Adult day care seems scary and also seems like it is a step above putting someone into a nursing home. This is not the case, however; it can be relieving to both the caretaker and the loved one to have a program to assist families with this transition.
Similar to child day care, adult day care is a type of program that looks after an adult while caretakers are out at work, completing errands, or other tasks. There are many programs that fulfill this basic function but there are different types of programs that provide specific types of care to the adult who needs them.
What are the Benefits of Adult Day Care?
Research is increasing that adult day care is an option that provides the perfect blend of mental and physical activity to clients who need supervision during the daytime hours. For some clients, it can bring the best of both care situations: living at home while also receiving the medical attention they need throughout the day without interrupting family life. Adult day care is an option that gives some relief to both clients and their families since they know that the client is safe with professional staff and allows the family members to stave off caretaker stress.
Programs hosted at adult day centers also give the benefit of a guaranteed routine for the client, allowing your loved one to feel more at ease while completing this major life transition. Senior depression is more common than most people anticipate, which can go hand in hand with caregiver fatigue. Adult day care is a resource that is a win-win for everyone; it gives seniors some much needed social time, and caregivers some worry-free time off.
What Does an Adult Day Care Program Look Like?
Adult day care centers can have programs that vary but they all share the same goal: consistency. A typical schedule can look like this:
- 8 AM to 9 AM – Breakfast
- 9 AM to 10 AM – Discussions (can be political or religious in nature, confirm with the program ahead of time to find the right fit for your loved ones)
- 10 AM-12 PM – Planned activities
- 12 PM-1 PM – Lunch
- 1 PM- 2 PM – Resting Period
- 2 PM-3:30 PM – Planned activities
- 3:30 PM-5 PM- Games and Puzzles
- 5 PM – Pickup
The kinds of programming can, again, differ from center to center. Some centers might have a partnership with a local child care center, creating activities that enrich both the seniors and the children. Some centers allow seniors to complete some household chores like cooking and gardening, which can bring back not only their sense of purpose, but might help them regain some strength to complete some activities with greater independence.
What are the Types of Adult Day Care?
There are different types of adult day care: senior care and adult social care. While they are similar, senior care can bring more to the table depending on the need of the client and caregiver. If you ever feel lost with deciding what is right for you and your family, the local aging office has the information you need to make the right decision.
Senior Care
Senior care is adult day care focused on helping elderly people day to day at a center. This type of program gives supervision to seniors and assists families with addressing medical concerns. It also provides a layer of socialization for the seniors.
Adult Social Care
Similar to senior care, this type of adult day care is focused more on social programs that can bring adults of all ages, disabilities, and levels of need together to encourage friendship. While a family caregiver can be loving and attentive to the needs of the person, there is a need to increase the social connection outside of the home. The family provides a special kind of bond but friends can also help the family and person handle the changes in their life.
There is an increasing number of studies that indicate loneliness as a major contributor to the decline in senior health. Both of these types of adult day care programs help connect seniors to their own age group and may result in a friendship that can have health benefits for everyone.
In Conclusion: What is Adult Day Care?
Adult day care is the loving option that gives everyone the best of what they need. Seniors can find friendships and a return to activities under supervision while caregivers can conduct day-to-day tasks. It also provides a safe and supporting environment for loved ones.
Here at Williams Lifts, we provide you with the tools to make your home more comfortable for you or your loved one. Contact us today to learn more!