Adult Day Services is a daytime program to help families take care of their loved ones as an alternative to nursing home placement. It provides for older adult's physical and emotional well-being through health care services and social and recreational activities.
By staying active during the day and returning home in the evening, adults keep a sense of independence and remain close to their families.
Centers are typically open from 7:00AM to 6:00PM, Monday through Friday. Seniors may attend one day per week, every day of the week, or anywhere in between. Whatever schedule is most appropriate for the individual and their family.
Adult Day Services programs keep seniors busy throughout the morning and afternoon . . . they return home in the evening more relaxed . . . and their family can enjoy some much needed personal time.
Adult Day Services gives the families peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is enjoying companionship and care which allows them to handle their daily commitments without worry or interruption. Most importantly, participation in an adult day program allows the senior to remain in the community enabling their families to continue caring for them at home.
All too often, families ignore the importance of looking after their own needs such as handling work commitments or taking some 'time off'. It is understandable that they are hesitant about having a family member cared for by others but assistance with their care giving responsibilities is a necessity.
Factors to be considered include: "If something happens to me, who will take care of 'Mom' . . . 'Dad' . . . 'Spouse' " ? "Personal time for the caregiver is a must for their overall health". "Roles are now reversed - the family must now decide what is best". "Give your loved one the benefit of some outside stimulation". "Do not wait - having help can keep them home longer". Remember, an active daytime program for the senior benefits them AND their family.
Comments heard from family members after they learn about Adult Day Services include 'Mom is too good for day care' . . . 'Dad is better than the others attending' . . . 'my Spouse was never very sociable'.
Experience has shown that individuals attending a Center will readily adapt to the routine and respond positively to the social interaction with others. Sadly, the reluctance to attend typically rests with the family.
Self imposed feelings of guilt . . . no one else can help . . . they are not that bad . . . I can do it myself, are all commendable, but very wrong.
By not encouraging your loved one to stay as active as possible and interacting with others outside of their usual surroundings, the truly life changing decision regarding your senior family member may have to be decided upon much sooner than expected . . . the decision regarding nursing home placement.
By comparison, the decision to get them started in an Adult Day Services program is one that is so much easier to make !
