Adult Day Care Center

Why It Matters

According to a 2005 study conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, 3.7 million senior citizens received personal care from an unpaid or paid provider in 1999.

Although we are living longer, and have more opportunities to improve our health, reputable adult day care centers will continue to be in high demand. “Baby Boomers”, many still in vital health and working full time, are caring for parents that are living well into their 80s and 90s. Senior spouses may want to take care of each other, but may not have all the means necessary to do so.

An adult day care center is a haven for those needing assistance and supervision. Senior centers, while an important component of an active lifestyle, cannot fulfill some of the requirements of care like an adult care center can, such as:

• Daily medical, speech, and therapeutic assistance.
• A chance to interact with peers through programs and services.
• Assisting those recovering from chronic illnesses or accidents.
• Providing guidance for those living with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Institutionalizing someone with needs like these may be going too far, but qualified in-home care may not be an option either. A day center is a wonderful middle ground to provide reputable care while still allowing the patient some independence at home alone or with loved ones.

Finding an Adult Day Care Center

National Adult Day Services Association

The National Adult Day Services Association provides education on and resources for adult day care centers. It helps caregivers understand the quality services to look for in a center, estimated daily cost, and updated news articles and information.

Eldercare

The Department of Health and Human Resources and the Administration on Aging have a comprehensive Eldercare site. It links to adult day care centers and a host of other senior services.

National Council On Aging

The National Council on Aging has a wealth of resources to help family members and seniors stay up-to-date on advances in senior services, matters affecting mature adults, legal issues, and also provides a springboard to advocacy efforts.

Family Caregiver Alliance

Few understand the special requirements and concerns of caring for an aging or ill loved one like the Family Caregiver Alliance.

Statistics indicate that the typical caregiver is a married woman in her mid-40s with a full-time job as well as 20 additional hours weekly spent in a caregiving role. Support of caregivers is a necessary component to ensure the good mental and physical health of both the recipient of care and the provider.

The Family Caregiver Alliance offers an extensive list of resources, an online support circle, and current articles to help a caregiver in any situation.

Start Your Own

It’s possible that your area may not have an adult day center, but many qualified people live nearby and have the necessary skills to operate one. Consider starting your own or partnering with an existing senior center in your community.

Many adult care facilities are nonprofit organizations, funded through donations (both monetary and in-kind), and local, state, and federal funding. The Adult Day Care Group is a consultancy that has researched the requirements of day center operations. You can order manuals, instructions, and obtain additional consulting here.

Talking with a Loved One

Even in the best of circumstances, persuading a loved one to spend his or her time at an adult day care center can be challenging.

Experts recommend the following:

• Reassure the individual that you support him or her and will help solve the problem.
• Respect the individual’s wishes and help him or her have a level of control to make decisions.
• Make changes a step at a time, so the adjustment isn’t too traumatic.
• Know the legal rights of your loved one.
• Become knowledgeable about the individual’s financial and medical status.
• Be honest about your own needs and energy. Turning to the services found at adult day care centers help you set limits and recharge.