Adult Day Care Programs

Adult day care centers give caregivers a break from around-the-clock care and provide peace of mind that their loved one is in good hands. There are varying levels of adult day care that cater to seniors’ specific needs.

Adult day care is an often underused service by those taking care of elderly loved ones. For dementia caregivers, utilizing adult day care services may help significantly reduce caregiving stress.

Common criticisms of adult day care stem from misdirected comparisons to babysitting and institutional care. Most modern senior centers are working to dispel these myths by refining their services and encouraging seniors’ independence.

Use this checklist to guide you in your search for an adult day care center that best fits your aging loved one’s needs and your own need for respite care.

The benefits of adult day care services are twofold. Your aging parent can enjoy social opportunities, activities and added safety, while you are free to work, run errands, attend appointments or savor some respite time.

Adult day care services can be a lifesaver for stressed caregivers, but seniors often reject this idea for respite. A veteran caregiver shares what NOT to do when pitching a senior center and offers tips for getting a loved one to try it out.

With so many older adults living on limited incomes, finding affordable products and services is crucial to making ends meet. Get the inside scoop on freebies and discounts available to you and your aging loved one.

In-home care, adult day care, respite care, and home safety equipment are alternatives to assisted living that allow seniors to age in place safely.

Adult day care gives caregivers a much-needed break and provides aging loved ones with valuable social and recreational opportunities. Catch a glimpse of what a typical day is like for an elder attending an adult day center.

Medicare does not cover the cost of adult day care, but seniors can receive financial assistance and respite care services through Medicaid, the VA and other community support programs.

Staying with your mom for a while the first time you drop her off at adult day care is a good idea and might help ease the transition.

Some adult day care centers accept patients with mobility problems, such as hip replacements. Visit the adult day care you have in mind ahead of time and discuss how they handle mobility issues.

Adult day care centers provide a safe, secure environment for adults who are unable to stay alone during the day. Adult day care provides social activities, meals and supervision for elderly parents and helps caregivers in need of a break.

Dementia caregivers are often anxious about their aging loved ones’ ability to attend an adult day center. Fortunately, there are adult day care programs that provide specialized services and activities for seniors with cognitive impairment.

Although family members are hesitant and even resistant to placing their loved one with dementia in adult day care or an assisted living facility, these settings offer plenty of engaging and useful activities that can enhance their quality of life.

Remember the saying "It takes a village to raise a child"? That is how I feel about living with a victim of Alzheimer's and dementia.

Adult day care staff members are trained to handle dementia behaviors, including: anxiety, hallucinations, wandering and aggression.

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, your loved one may need more care than you can provide. Your options range from home health care and adult day care, to assisted living and nursing homes with specialized Alzheimer's care units.

For caregivers and their loved ones with dementia, respite care is critical. Finding the best type of short-term dementia care depends on a senior’s mental and physical health, the extent of their care team’s support, and their budget.

My elderly mother lives with me. I work full-time and am not home during the day, but I don't think she's safe when she stays alone. Should we look into adult day care?