Seniors in an adult day care facility

What to Consider When Choosing an Adult Day Care Program

Keeping your mind and body sharp is important at any age. But in the twilight years, it’s more important than ever to keep up with exercise, basic tasks and the human socialization and interaction that helps us feel a sense of belonging and anticipation for the day ahead. For seniors that may be spending much of their time alone or that may need a little extra care to get through the day, an adult day care program can be a great option that makes life not only more enjoyable, but safer and more rewarding.

Instead of deliberating between adult day care programs and trying to get another year out of your loved one’s tenuous living situation, it may be time to get them the help that they deserve. Searching for the best adult day care programs is sure to give you some ideas, but sometimes it’s more about lining up the right care for your loved one.

The Three Main Types of Adult Day Care Programs

Before you can make the right decision for your loved one, it’s important to know that there are three main types of adult day care programs. They are: social day care, medical day care and specialized day care. Each is attuned to a different need, and you’ll want to evaluate each one against the day-to-day needs of your family member.

If you’re looking for an increase in socialization and a strong sense of community for your loved one, you’ll want to seek out a social day care. These kinds of adult day care programs consider socialization as the most important piece, and that means lots of activities that bring community members together. Activities such as arts and crafts, sing-a-longs and bingo are staples, but so are things like chair yoga, Tai Chi, discussion groups and birthday celebrations. Some communities may even plan local outings or bring entertainment in periodically.

For community members that need medical or other therapy services, there’s medical day care. Considerations for these types of adult day care programs begin with a health assessment upon admittance and continue on with the utmost in medical care on a day-to-day basis. Indeed, an RN is typically on staff and on call, as are other health professionals. For residents that suffer from physical, mental or social problems, a medical day care can help them get the medical services they need in a comfortable and supervised setting.

At the pinnacle of adult day care program considerations is specialized day care. This is a type of care that helps seniors with cognitive issues and other challenges resulting from a diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, among other degenerative diseases. In these types of communities, specialized activities, mental stimulation and medical services are developed to meet the needs of each resident, while also providing security and an enhanced level of care.

Selecting an Adult Day Care Program

Whether your loved one needs more socialization, medical attention or specialized care, there’s an adult day care program out there for them. But beyond the different types of adult day care programs, it’s important to pick a community that meets the unique needs of your family member. Some questions can help refine your search and lead you and your loved one to the best option.

  • Does your family member need transportation to and from the facility or will they live on the premises? 
  • What does the facility specialize in? Does it provide the right level of care for your family member?
  • Is the facility licensed by the city, county or state?
  • What are the operating hours of the facility and when can guests visit?
  • Does the adult day care program accommodate specialized needs such as medical or memory care?
  • What is the ratio of staff to residents?
  • What activities and services are offered at the facility?
  • Are meals provided or are residents expected to cook or prepare their own?

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all adult day care program considerations, it should give you enough to start the selection process. In addition to asking questions, it’s also a good idea to visit each facility in person to determine if it’s a good fit. The social atmosphere, the staff and the facility itself will have a lot to do with whether it’s a good fit for your loved one, and it’s better to determine the fit before moving in rather than after. 

If you’re unsure about a given facility, simply move on to the next. Things may get worse before they get better, and if that lackluster facility can’t charm you when the pressure’s on, it’s likely that they’ll be even worse when you’re not around. Talk to residents and caregivers to get a sense of the day-to-day, and before long you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of any facility.

Other adult day care program considerations include a convenient location for family members and friends to visit, the length of time that a given community has been open for business, and the cost of care. Some facilities may allow members to pop in a couple days a week while more comprehensive care may require all residents to live permanently on site.

Ready to take that next step in your loved one’s care? The Moments is an award-winning senior living community designed to stimulate your loved one’s mind, body and spirit. Contact us today to schedule a tour or to learn more about our services and care.

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THE MOMENTS
COVID-19
Safety Protocols

Our HVAC system was uniquely designed to deliver six complete air changes per hour which means clean air, safer air, throughout the building. Our resident rooms have individual fresh air and filtration above the windows, both designed to increase safety and sanitation levels.

Our normal protocol includes rigorous daily disinfecting of resident rooms and common areas. During every shift, staff disinfects doors, handrails and other common areas.

Meals have shifted from community gatherings to small group, socially distanced meals that are served in shifts, tables and chairs are sanitized after each seating.

ALL residents and staff are tested bi-weekly, at a minimum and take temperature checks are conducted daily of all residents.

Anybody – staff, caregivers, residents, vendors – who enters The Moments will pass through the ENTRY where Far-UVC lighting will inactivate surface-level viruses and bacteria

Additionally, prior to each
shift staff:

  • Undergo a health
    screening, temperature
    check and contact risk
    evaluation surveys prior
    to entering the building
  • Are required to wear a
    facemask and goggles
    at all times
  • Constantly conducting
    thorough handwashing
    and hand sanitization
    during their shifts

Essential caregivers/visitors
are required to:

 

  • Undergo a health
    screening, temperature
    check and contact risk
    evaluation surveys prior
    to entering the building
  • Wear masks during
    their visit
Published On: November 23, 2021