Adult Day Services
What are Adult Day Services/Centers?
Adult day service centers provide a coordinated program of professional and compassionate services for adults in a community-based group setting. Services are designed to provide social and some health services to adults who need supervised care in a safe place outside the home during the day. They also afford caregivers respite from the demanding responsibilities of caregiving. Adult day centers generally operate during normal business hours five days a week. Some programs offer services in the evenings and on weekends, according to National Adult Day Services Association.
What Does That Really Mean?
Adult day services exist to keep families together for as long as the family is able and prepared. Let's face it- most of us would like to live in our own homes with the people we love the most for as long as possible. That is why adult day services exist. As adult day centers, we all look different – some of us are set up to help with more intensive medical and therapeutic services; others are non-medical and assist more with daily living activities like walking, eating and using the restroom. Adult day centers may be located anywhere from churches to hospitals to strip malls to cozy, remodeled homes. Some are profit agencies and others are not-for-profit organizations. We are all unique.
But the one thing that ties us together is that we care. We have the same goal: to keep families together.
Who Normally Attends Adult Day Centers?
Since each adult day center is unique, the answer to this question is just about anyone. Most centers serve adults over the age of 18 who are living with a physical and/or mental diagnosis. This usually includes diagnoses such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, recovering from stroke, living with Down's Syndrome, mental retardation and on and on… Ask the center you are considering if they specialize in an age group or diagnosis.
Things to Look for/Ask:
- How much is the cost?
- Medicaid Waiver, Title III, VA contracts, scholarships, etc.
- Does the center provide transportation and/or transportation referrals?
- What additional services does the center provide?
- Bathing, occupational or physical therapy, etc.
- Does the center specialize in a diagnosis or age group?
- Can the center provide referrals?
- What is the ratio of staff to guests (participants)?
- Are there planned and varied activities throughout the day?
- What are the meals like? What if your loved one has a special dietary need?
- Can they assist with toileting and transferring?
- Is there sturdy, comfortable furniture? A place to relax?
- What are the days and hours of operation?
- Is the atmosphere welcoming and comfortable?
- What does the center do to support caregivers and extended family?
- Does the building have a sense of security?
- Is the décor sensitive to aging eyes and physical challenges?
- What are the requirements to be a guest?
- Do people look happy? This includes the guests, the staff and the volunteers.
Speaking your Language…
If you or someone you love is at a point where decisions need to be made because of concerns for safety, advancements with disease or diagnoses, living arrangements or a sense of security, consider adult day services. It is a concept unknown to many, but desired and needed by so many more.