The Role of the Adult Day Center

Posted on

Oct 19, 2018

Share This
Where can an aging adult go to socialize, laugh, sing, exercise, receive health care and eat well balanced, nutritious meals?
Many adult day centers offer these benefits and more for aging adults who require additional assistance during the day due to health reasons. Currently there are 4,600 adult day centers in the United States serving approximately 260,000 aging adults, younger persons with disabilities, and caregivers. Estimates show a 63% increase in the number of people serviced by adult day centers since 2002, reflecting the trend that Americans are aging and require professional support services for those with dementia or other cognitive impairments.
There are generally two types of adult day care centers: those that focus primarily on social interaction and those that offer medical care. Some centers, such as River House, offer both. According to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) the average participant that attends a day center is a 72-year-old female who lives with adult children or their spouse. A little over half of those utilizing day service centers have some form of cognitive impairment and more than half require assistance with at least two daily living activities.
At an adult day center, whether it is a social or medical model, the aging adult greatly benefits from active engagement. Medical model centers offer added benefits by providing health monitoring and individualized care.

Caregivers benefit from reliable, professional, compassionate services for their loved one. They offer respite time for the caregiver to recharge their batteries; the caregiver need not quit their jobs or neglect their own health. The result is better health and well-being for families. An adult day center also offers family support such as counseling and provides caregivers links to community resources and other service providers.

Lastly, the center can play a key role in the continuum of life for aging adults. After working for many years and easing into retirement, older adults may not engage with others as much as they used to. They may have to stop driving, and then find themselves staying home, isolated from others. Friends and family may die, or move way, leaving an older adult without the companionship they once had. A day center can offer a lonely person a new place to meet people and engage with others. Evidence shows that participants who regularly attend a day center show improved quality of life.

The bottom line is that adult day care centers offer a cost effective alternative to other long-term care options and allow aging adults to stay engaged in their communities and at home with their families.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Donna Spellman, MS, Executive Director, River House Adult Day Center. She can be reached at 203-629-0079

Other Articles You May Like

Enter Article Title

This is the description. Please enter at least 500 words for best chance of indexing. 

Why Choose A Winter Respite At A Personal Care Home

Moving to a personal care home is a big decision based on many factors. Cold winter months are drawing near, and the Farmers Almanac is forecasting a Winter Wonderland for the northeastern United States. Keeping this in mind, and to avoid winter chores, this is a great time to consider a respite stay and experience first-hand what life is like living in a personal care home.Experience an easier moveWinter weather conditions like snow and ice can complicate the move to a personal care home. Moving before bad weather conditions arrive allows seniors to avoid potential weather-related delays, accidents or other challenges during transportation and when moving belongings.Try out the personal care homeRespite care offers seniors a chance to try out a retirement community without making a long-term commitment. Country Meadows offers all-rental retirement living accommodations, so seniors are not beholden to a lengthy lease or an ownership stake. A respite stay can help older adults see for themselves whether or not the community is a good fit for a permanent move.Avoid winter weather challengesMany older adults struggle with winter chores such as shoveling snow, chipping away ice, walking on icy sidewalks, managing heating systems and driving in inclement weather. A temporary respite stay at a personal care home eliminates these responsibilities, as well as many other daily chores, removing worries. It provides seniors the opportunity to settle into their new living arrangement without the added stress of winter weather.Access daily assistance and health servicesAlong with cold weather, the winter season can also bring several challenges for older adults to maintain wellness. A major benefit to living at a personal care home is prompt, easy access to health resources and assistance. This is especially beneficial for seniors with health concerns and mobility issues. If a resident requires assistance with medications, dressing, bathing or another daily activity, simply push a call button and a personal care associate can provide needed help. And a wellness team keeps an eye on each residents overall health.Reduce lonelinessMany seniors experience loneliness and isolation while living at home. The winter months can magnify these feelings. Respite care offers opportunities for social interaction and engagement with new neighbors and friends in the same age group, reducing feelings of loneliness and providing mental stimulation.Participate in activities, enjoy entertainment and outingsSenior living communities often offer a variety of enriching activities and events. At Country Meadows, our Vibe program considers each residents physical, cognitive, social and spiritual needs and customizes activities, entertainment, outings and purposeful service opportunities. Events are organized seasonally by categories and offer opportunities for socialization and fun. When living at a personal care home, one doesnt need to brave the elements outside, because all the fun during winter is happening indoors, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.Provide relief for family caregiversA respite stay offers a break for family members and friends providing care in a seniors private home. This break is especially appreciated during winter months when private caregiving responsibilities might become more demanding due to inclement weather, illnesses or holiday-related activities.When considering respite care at a personal care home or retirement community over the winter months, its important to do some homework. Families and seniors should research and visit potential facilities to ensure the community can meet specific needs and preferences of each individual. The decision for respite care should prioritize the well-being, comfort and specific needs of each person, aiming to provide a supportive and enriching experience.  Contact Country Meadows Retirement Communities today.

Beyond the Horizon: Building a Brighter Future for Seniors

As the sun sets on one chapter of life, a new dawn awaits beyond the horizon for our seniors. Building a brighter future for them means cultivating a society where their aspirations, dreams, and contributions are not only acknowledged but celebrated. Its about fostering an environment where the echoes of their laughter, the depth of their wisdom, and the richness of their experiences continue to shape our communities.In this future, we invest in education that knows no age, where seniors can explore new passions, engage in lifelong learning, and mentor the generations that follow. Accessible healthcare and innovative technologies become bridges, connecting them to the best possible quality of life. Moreover, we embrace their stories, acknowledging that each line on their face represents a tale of resilience and triumph. Beyond the horizon lies a world where seniors are not just receivers of care, but architects of change, artists of newfound hobbies, and ambassadors of love. Together, lets create a tomorrow where the golden years are filled with purpose, joy, and the boundless adventure of living life to the fullest.