According to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA), the thousands of community-based adult daycare centers in the United States are for any older adult needing supervision, personal or medical care or even a little extra socializing during the day.
Of course, family members also benefit. When a person is caring for an aging loved one, a few hours of free time each day can help prevent stress, burnout and depression. Without the extra help, many caregivers would have no choice but to put their loved ones in a nursing home.
Finding the right facility
Contact your local office on aging to locate an adult daycare facility in your community. Also, check state health departments, visiting nurse organizations, care managers, family physicians, social service agencies, hospital discharge planners and community, religious and civic organizations.
Call the National ElderCare Locator at 800-677-1116 to find adult daycare or visit their web page at http://www.eldercare.gov.
The following checklist from the National Adult Day Services Association will help you find an appropriate daycare center.
Questions the facility may ask you:
What does your loved one need in an adult day center–social activities, a secure environment, exercise, nutritious meals, health monitoring, personal care or all of the above?
What do you as a caregiver need–occasional free time, help while working, transportation, support or help in care planning?
Questions to ask the facility:
What are the hours and days of operation?
Is there a nurse and social worker on staff?
What is the staffing ratio? (Ideally, it is one care provider for every six clients–four if clients have severe impairments.)
What training do staff members receive? (Daycare workers are not required to have any formal education.)
Is round-trip transportation available?
How much does it cost? Is financial aid available?
What is on the activity calendar? Are there any off-site trips? Are the activities appropriate to the level of the elder’s capabilities?
What languages are spoken?
What conditions are accepted (such as memory loss, incontinence, limited mobility)?
What else to look for
The licensing and regulation of adult day centers vary among states since no uniform federal standards exist. Be sure the center you select:
Conducts an assessment of your loved one before admission to determine his or her range of abilities and needs
Spends time finding out what you and your loved one want or need
Develops an individualized treatment plan and monitors progress
Provides an active program for social, recreational and rehabilitative needs
Has happy, active clients
Has volunteers who help out
Has a place to isolate sick clients
Offers nutritious, tasty meals and snacks
Has comfortable, sturdy furniture
Is wheelchair accessible
Is clean, pleasant and odor-free
Employs qualified, well-trained and compassionate staff
Is certified or recommended by a doctor or the local office on aging
Has safety features all around, such as handrails, sprinklers and smoke alarms
Makes you and your loved one feel welcome