by: Melanie Farley
At work, you try to concentrate, but all you can think about is whether your elderly mother is safe by herself at home. Realistically, she needs constant supervision, but you must work. What can you do?
There are about 4,600 adult day centers across the country that offer caregivers a chance to attend to their responsibilities while their older loved ones have an engaging, safe place to spend time. National Adult Day Services Week is from September 20-26, so we want to use this article to tell you everything you need to know about adult day care.
What are adult day services? And, how do you know if adult day care is right for you or your loved one? Read on to find out!
What Is Adult Day Care?
Pennsylvania Adult Day Services defines Adult Day Care as: “A community-based center designed to assist in meeting the complex medical, physical, social, and emotional needs of people with multiple functional limitations.”
Typically, seniors attend adult day care during the day and return home to their caregivers in the evening. So, Adult Day Centers provide massive benefits for seniors and caregivers alike because they provide safe, engaging environments for seniors while offering caregivers a much-needed break.
What Services Are Offered?
Services can vary widely from center-to-center, so it’s important to research each facility thoroughly to find one that suits your senior’s needs. Some common services include:
- Nursing and Personal Care Services
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitative Services
- Structured Group Activities
- Meal and Nutrition Services
In Pennsylvania, adult day centers are inspected annually and licensed by the PA Department of Aging and/or the PA Department of Human Services to ensure high-quality care.
Is Adult Day Care Right for You?
Adult day services can be an excellent option for older adults and adults with disabilities who want to maintain independence while benefiting from support during the day. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if adult day care is right for you or your loved one:
- Do you worry about your loved one’s safety home alone?
- Do you worry about your loved one’s health?
- Do you worry that your loved one is bored or depressed at home alone all day?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then an adult day care might be the ideal solution for you and your family.
Why Families Choose Northeast Adult Day Care
At Northeast, participants benefit from nursing oversight, personal care, rehabilitation services, nutritious meals, engaging daily activities, community outings, caregiver support, and transportation—all in a warm, social environment designed to help participants remain active and connected.
A Final Word. . .
Help us celebrate National Adult Day Services Week this year; pass this article along to a friend who might need it. Although adult day care centers vary widely, they remain the most affordable long-term care option for seniors.
As you explore day centers in your area, be sure to ask specific questions to address your senior’s needs. For example, do they offer transportation? Specialized meal plans? What kind of social activities are offered? Answers to these questions will help you find a center that is just right for you and your family.
Would your 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.