En español | Offering a variety of health, social and recreational services and meeting a variety of needs in one location, adult day services are community-based programs for older adults who require supervision. Enrolling your loved one in an adult day services center will give them the opportunity to be more active, to socialize and to become a part of a network of peers. Many programs also offer health monitoring and therapy for those in need. And for you, it will provide time during the day to get non-caregiving-related tasks, such as grocery shopping and errands, completed or allow you to relax a bit while your parent or loved one is being cared for. Adult day services can also occupy your loved one while you go to work. There are, however, a few of questions to answer before deciding whether this is the right avenue to take.
What Types of Adult Day Service Are There?
There are three general types of adult day services:
- Social adult day services provide activities such as arts and crafts, light exercise, discussion groups (such as a book club), and local day trips and outings. This type of day care is ideal for the active adult with limited medical needs.
- Adult day health services may include all of the services provided through social adult day services with the addition of more medical aid (a registered nurse and other medical professionals usually are on staff) as well as occupational, speech and physical therapies. This type of day care usually requires individuals be assessed medically before attending.
- Specialized adult day services are offered to those individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The social and health-related services offered in this type of adult day care are tailored to the condition.
When Is Adult Day Services a Good Fit?
Depending on your situation — and that of your loved one — adult day services may very well be a great idea. For you, it will allow time to go to work knowing your loved one is in a safe environment as well as time to tackle any errands or issues that need addressing. For the adult in day services, it can provide a structured social setting where he or she can sharpen mental alertness through games and activities and socialize with others. The day health and specialized adult day service settings can even help you out with the day-to-day medical care your loved one requires.
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