If you’re a caregiver for an adult family member, you know that the responsibilities can be overwhelming. But with adult day care services, you can enjoy an occasional or even daily break, while ensuring your loved one has the personalized attention they need.
What is Adult Day Care?
It’s a service that provides planned activities and medical assistance in a nonresidential or community center. Adult day care is intended for seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). They may also be at risk for social isolation or can’t be alone for long periods.
Types of Adult Day Care
Social day care: This type of adult day care includes social activities for seniors that encourage mental and emotional engagement. Your loved one can develop or enhance their skills, knowledge and abilities.
Health day care: Your mom or dad may benefit from health day care if they require daily medical treatment. That includes managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Facilities that provide the service employ registered nurses and healthcare professionals to administer quality care.
Dementia day care: This program caters to those with cognitive decline and memory loss. Your loved one can participate in appropriate activities in a secure environment.
Adult Day Care Services
Common adult day care services may include:
- Activities such as arts, crafts, music, reading, gardening, education and skill development
- Social opportunities
- Pet therapy
- Exercise programs
- Meal preparation
- Supervision
- Assistance with ADLs, including eating, toileting and walking
- Routine health screenings
- Physical, occupational and speech therapies
- Medication management
- Transportation
- Counseling services
Benefits of Adult Day Care
Advantages for Your Loved One
Socialization: Staying socially active reduces the risk of isolation and depression. Adult day care encourages socialization among seniors. Your mom or dad can meet new people and make friends with those who share similar life experiences.
Cognitive engagement: Seniors can participate in various activities that provide mental stimulation. They’ll engage in pursuits that suit their interests and abilities or explore new skills and hobbies. Doing so supplies the brain with the stimulation it needs to stay healthy.
Safety: Your loved one may benefit from attending adult day care if they have mobility or balance issues. They’ll be supervised during their visit by trained healthcare professionals who can assist them.
Structure: Creating a routine is beneficial for seniors, especially those with dementia. Having a schedule can decrease anxiety and help your loved one manage tasks.
Physical stimulation: Exercise and mobility are essential for seniors. Depending on their abilities, your mom or dad can take part in exercise programs or physical therapy to help them maintain motor function.
Advantages for Caregivers
Alleviate stress: Taking your family member to adult day care means you don’t have to bear the caregiving responsibility on your own. That can reduce your risk of caregiver burnout.
Free time: Take a day trip, revisit hobbies or unwind for a few hours. You’ll have time to focus on errands, chores, work, home improvements and other tasks. Using adult day care gives you a chance to rest and recharge, so you can be a better caregiver.
Build relationships: Use your free time to connect with family and friends. Taking advantage of adult day care services allows you to devote time to your other relationships, too.
Peace of mind: Rest easy knowing your loved one is in a friendly, secure environment surrounded by trained professionals. The staff will tend to their physical and emotional needs and provide engaging activities and opportunities for socialization.
When to Consider Adult Day Care
Your loved one may benefit from adult day care if they face the following scenarios:
- They spend lots of time alone or want companionship.
- They struggle to structure daily activities.
- They’re a safety risk when left alone.
- They have a cognitive or physical impairment.
- They want to maintain their independence.
- They live with someone who is frequently away or unavailable to provide care.
Adult Day Care at Embassy Health Care
Your loved one will find opportunities to participate in their favorite activities and interact with their peers at our adult day care centers in Ohio. Call 216-378-2050 to learn more about our adult day care services.
