SERVICES FOR SENIORS

YOU ARE ENOUGH. ADULT DAY CARE

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO BY ERICA FARROW

FOR SENIORS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Adult Day Care for Seniors

Adult day care can provide caregivers with a much needed break, so they can provide better care to seniors.

What is adult day care?

Adult day care provides adults with an opportunity to socialize and engage in recreational activities while at the same time, giving the caregiver a much needed break to relax, run errands, take care of appointments, and complete other tasks.

Who is adult day care good for?

There are three different kinds (agingcare.com) of adult day care:

1. Social Adult Day Care

This is for adults who are relatively independent but could use some supervised activities to enrich their quality of life. Activities could include arts and crafts, exercise programs, games and musical activities. Seniors can participate in the majority of activities on their own, while staff provides assistance. Staff can also give medication reminders, but not administer it. ADHC is for seniors who have more serious medical conditions and require skilled nursing care or therapy services. Staff are licensed and can administer medication and provide occupational, speech and physical therapy in addition to other recreational activities for the seniors to enjoy.

3. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care

This specialized day care is tailored to meet the unique physical, emotional and mental needs of seniors living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Staff are trained in dementia care to work with individuals with memory and cognitive loss.

Activities and Services of daycare A good Adult Day Care should offer a variety of activities for seniors including: • Arts and crafts • Musical activities • Audiology • Counseling • Exercise classes • Personal care • Memory and cognition therapy • Hair and beauty services • Massage therapy

• Volunteer and community service programs

• Medication management • Nutrition and meal services • Occupational therapy • Oxygen therapy • Family support

Ways to pay for adult day care

The price of adult day care varies, depending on the location and type and can range from $40 to $120 (seniorliving.org) per day. If the senior qualifies for Medicaid, then Medicaid may pay for the day care, especially if the senior would require fulltime nursing care otherwise. If the senior is a veteran, then VA benefits will pay for adult day health care (payingforseniorcare.com), but not adult day care . Individuals may also choose to pay with long-term care insurance or cashing in on life insurance policies. It can also be paid out of pocket.