Why Adult Day Care?

Adult Day Care is an inviting daily refuge for seniors and adults whose advancing age and frailties make independent living isolating and challenging.

Adult Day Care bridges the gap for many seniors who are striving to maintain some independence but need a social outlet and health monitoring. Some seniors live independently while others rely on family caregivers for home-based support. Adult Day Care provides daily respite care for both the attendee and their family caregivers.

Who attends an adult day care program?

The average participant is of senior years (most typically between the ages of 68 and 100 years old), and is oftentimes afflicted with Parkinson’s, dementia, Alzheimer’s, stroke, traumatic brain injuries and other physical and/or cognitive challenges. The average participant is a person who wishes to live in the comfort of his/her/their home but requires daytime assistance.

What happens at an adult day care center?

Engagement, fun and healthcare are essential and core aspects of an adult day care setting. Most centers have a team of healthcare professionals including nurses and health aides who assist with regular medical checks as well as medication administration, treatments, personal care grooming (showers, for example) and maintain contact with the participant’s family and physician. Mixed in with the health component is a therapeutic recreation program that ensures a fun, vibrant and productive day. A typical day at an adult day care center is likely to include exercise, games, art programs, music programs, community based visits and community based trips, gardening, word games, parties, celebrations and much more. And equally as important is the social network that is sure to happen as a result of spending each day with others who also enjoy the adult day care setting.

What about the family caregiver?

The stress of caring for an aging loved one with declining health takes a profound toll. You can expect the adult day care center to provide access to caregiver support groups, individual counseling, information and referral services and a sympathetic and understanding ear. The respite that an adult day care center provides to a family exactly what they need in order for them to continue to care for their loved ones at home and not feel that they have to turn to another alternative. Many families will require additional help at home and many at some point might need to pursue a higher level of care. But all will agree that their time spent at the adult day care center improved their quality of live and prolonged their time together with their loved ones. ~

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Donna Spellman, MS, Executive Director, River House Adult Day Center. She can be reached at 203-629-0079. See ad on page 10.