08.23.10
Adult Day Care
Long term caregivers often find themselves needing someone to help stay with their loved one while they run errands, head to work, or just need a little down time. Often scrambling schedules with family or friends is not possible or desirable. Caregivers should consider another helpful and little-known alternative: adult day care.
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Adult day care is a service offered by non-profit, for-profit, and government agencies to provide respite care for seniors who are unable to be left alone during daytime hours. These services may be appropriate for seniors who can no longer structure their own daily activities, need social interaction and outside activities in a safe environment, or whose primary caregiver works outside the home. These services are also available for caregivers who need a break from round-the-clock care. Most centers provide care Monday through Friday during the daytime hours.
There are about 4,000 adult day care centers within the U.S. which offer a variety of benefits. The care center you choose may depend primarily on proximity to you, but also on the benefits offered to caregivers and their loved one: social interaction, educational activities, mental engagement, physical and mental health activities, meals and snacks, and specialized Alzheimer’s patient care and security.
Some caregivers are leery of leaving their loved one with anyone other than themselves, but after visiting their center of choice are pleasantly surprised. Planning ahead by locating a center you are comfortable with can elevate caregiver stress and burnout as well as any false feelings of guilt. Full time caregiving is an intense job, and caregivers need to give themselves permission to seek help and allow themselves worry-free down time. Many elderly people find they enjoy the chance to get out of the house, socialize with peers, and engage in enjoyable group exercise programs, reading groups, or discussion groups, even local outings and celebrations.
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Cost
The cost of adult day care centers varies by center and services offered, but usually ranges from $25 to $70 per day. This cost is not covered by Medicare, but should be covered or mostly covered by Medicaid providing the center is licensed or is a specialized Alzheimer’s care facility. Private insurances are more likely to cover adult day care center costs when licensed health care professionals are required. Check with your insurance to be sure. For uninsured clients, often centers set costs based on a sliding fee scale, so cost is determined by your income. Be sure to ask about scholarships or financial aid assistance.
Checking into the Adult Day Care Center
It’s always a good idea to call ahead before you find yourself in a bind. After locating a center near you, find out who owns the agency, whether it is licensed or certified (if required in your state), the hours and days of operation, what kind of adult clients they are equipped to handle (those with memory loss or mobility limitations), staff to client ratio, staff credentials, activities, programs, and meals offered.
To preserve your sense of well-being and peace of mind, you would be wise to consider turning to an adult day care center. Making a visit with your loved one will give you a feel for which facility will be a good fit for you and your loved one. This could be the support you need to keep yourself and your loved one in good mental, emotional, and physical health and allow you to continue to care for your loved one.