by: Melanie Farley
Not all adult day centers are created equally. While some centers offer specialized health and therapeutic services with clinical staff on site, others are primarily social hubs for healthy seniors to make new friends. Then there are still others that offer specialized programming for memory care and other chronic conditions, and some that offer all the above!
It can be confusing to navigate all the options, especially if your senior has Alzheimer’s or dementia. You might wonder what kind of programming to look for to ensure they are receiving the care they need.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Read on for our guide on what to look for in an adult day center to ensure that your senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia will thrive.
Look for Structured Activities
A successful day center should have a thriving activities program. Structured activities that are great for memory care include:
- music therapy
- arts and crafts
- puzzles and boardgames
- physical activities (stretching, gentle movement)
- social events
It’s best to look for a center that offers a variety of activities, since they are all important to memory care. Activities like crafts and boardgames are great for intellectual stimulation, for example. Exercise can help promote relaxation, and music therapy can help seniors retain memories for longer.
Ask about Daily Routines
Studies have shown that seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia that maintain a regular routine are able to retain cognitive skills for longer by regularly performing tasks that are familiar to them. Plus, the structure of a regular routine is comforting.
An adult day center with specialized memory care services will provide participants with regular routines. The staff will also offer personalized attention to ensure that seniors are participating in designated activities throughout the day.
Pick a Center with a Thriving Social Community
Socialization can help prevent Alzheimer’s in the first place! Studies have shown that those who experience loneliness on a regular basis are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s later in life.
Next, social activities support brain health. Humans are social beings, and socializing helps increase brain strength and increases our ability to manage emotions. So, socialization is a key part of memory care because of its positive impact on brain health.
So, adult day centers that offer participants an active social calendar are great options for memory care.
A Final Word. . .
It can be confusing to navigate all the options for adult day centers, especially if your senior has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Look for a day center that offers memory care activities like structured activities, routine, and social events. With personalized support, a senior with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can thrive in an adult day care and retain skills for much longer.
Would your senior loved one benefit from expert adult day care in a warm, welcoming environment? The healthcare professionals at Northeast Adult Day Care can provide skilled care, monitoring, and social interaction for your loved one! Reach out to learn more, info@northeastadc.com.