|
We are great fans of good
adult day activity programs. A good day program
will offer benefits that no amount of loving
care at home can provide: a combination of
stimulating activities and soothing time to
regroup...carefully programmed throughout the
day; experienced staff who rotate so no one
becomes frustrated or exhausted; opportunities
for every participant to be successful at
something every single day; and friends and
experiences that belong solely to the
participant.
For the caregiver the
benefits are also clear: a chance to spend some
guilt-free time away from caregiving
responsibilities; the opportunity to watch their
loved one grow and flourish; and a supportive
professional group who come to know their
attendees well and who can give guidance and
support.
There are thousands of adult
day centers across the country. Some are
excellent (like the ideal described above). Some
are not so good. How do you tell the difference
between an adult day center you would be
thrilled for your elder to attend and one you
should avoid?
There are several
steps you should take to find the best day
care program for your individual senior.
|
Step #1: Determine What
You Need From An Adult Day Program
___ A. How much time will you need?...Do
you need an occasional break, i.e., one or two
afternoons a week, from one to three full days
each week, or five full days to accommodate your
work schedule or other responsibilities?
___ B. Do you need transportation
assistance?
___ C. Do you need a day care program
that participates in Medicaid or where there is
a sliding fee scale?
Step #2: Determine What Your Elder
Needs From A Day Care Program In Addition To
Supervision and Social Stimulation
___ A. A special diet
___ B. Help with personal care: bathing,
shaving, hair care
___ C. Help with using the toilet
___ D. Help with walking or eating
___ E. Health status monitoring: blood
pressure, blood sugar, weight, etc.
___ F. Medical therapies: physical,
occupational or speech therapy
If you answered "yes" to "E" or "F" you will
want to find a day program with a nurse on
staff.
Step #3: Use The Telephone First
Locate local adult day care centers through the
Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116) or your
local senior center. When you call, ask about
days and hours of operation, the application
process and fees. Then you can decide whether
it's worth your while to make a visit. Ask
whether they have a brochure they can send you
or a website you can visit.
Step #4: Pay an initial visit (on your own if
you can). Make note of the following:
___ A. Is the facility clean, bright,
well furnished and without odor?
___ B. Is every part of the building
wheelchair accessible?
___ C. Does the furniture look
comfortable? Are there recliners available for
those who need to rest? Do chairs have arms to
assist with standing?
___ D. Is there a "sick" room where
participants can be isolated?
___ E. Is there a spacious bathing room
for anyone who may have had an accident or who
participates in a bathing program?
___ F. Is there a quiet room for those
who may need down time?
___ G. Do participants help plan
activities?
___ H. Does everyone, staff and
participants, appear to be cheerful and happy to
be there?
___ I. Is there a volunteer program? A
pet program? Do children visit?
If the facility looks like a place
you might consider, ask the following questions:
___ J. Who owns the facility, and how
long has it been in operation?
___ K. Is the center licensed?
___ L. What is the enrollment?
___ M. How many staff does the facility
have, and what is the staff to participant
ratio?
___ N. What are the staff credentials,
and what additional training is provided?
___ O. What medical or cognitive
conditions does the facility accept? Are
wheelchairs allowed? Is incontinence accepted?
___ P. What are the days and hours of
operation?
___ Q. Is transportation available?
___ R. Is there financial assistance
available?
___ S. What are typical activities, and
can participants choose whether they wish to
participate? What arrangements are available for
those who do not want to participate in a
particular activity?
___ T. What are the costs for part and
full day? Is there a discount for attending
several days per week or per month?
___
U. At what stage will the center suggest
that it is time for your senior to withdraw from
the program?
___ V. Are there support services or
programs for families and caregivers?
Step #5: Give Any New Adult Day Center A Real
Try
Take a trial run at the adult day activity
center that appears to meet your needs best.
Expect that your elder may be reluctant to
attend. It often takes several visits before an
individual feels comfortable in new
surroundings. Those with dementia are often
frightened until new places become familiar.
Experienced staff will anticipate reluctance and
will know how to overcome these initial fears,
so don't be too quick to conclude that a good
day program won't work.
|
