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How To Choose an Adult Day Care Facility
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Business New Haven
11/10/2003
By: Mimi Houston
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It can be a lonely and anxious time when a loved one needs more care than they are currently getting, but are not yet ready for a nursing home. Perhaps Mom, Dad, or even a spouse is doing fine at home - as long as you're there with them - but leaving them alone while you're at work has become more difficult. Or maybe the local senior center no longer meets their care needs as well as it once did.
Now may be the time to consider a viable alternative - a licensed adult day-care facility.
Before you make the important decision of where to leave your loved one while you're at work, there are a number a key things to research and consider that will help to ensure a good fit for everyone. By doing just a bit of homework, all involved will be better off.
The first thing to do is think about the personality of your loved one. Does Mom like to play bingo, cards, get involved with crafts? Does Dad play chess, read quite a bit and enjoy plenty of quiet time and a good nap every day? Ideally, the day-care center you choose should be able to fulfill the needs of both personalities.
Look for a large common area where crafts, games and activities take place, but also a smaller, more private space where one can go to read a book or watch TV or just sit in a comfortable recliner and take a nap.
Next, consider the level of care that is needed. Is your spouse showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer's? Is the staff of the facility trained and able to handle the needs of any and all health conditions your loved one is dealing with? A good daycare facility has a trained staff that is able to meet the needs of both highly functioning adults as well as those on a lower level. As your spouse ages, it's best to be able to stay in the same facility, with the same familiar faces, even as the level of care needed increases.
Different types of day-care facilities serve different needs. There are social day-care centers offering activities and trips. There are medical-based facilities that strictly monitor diet, weight, blood pressure and medications your loved one may be on.
The best way to see how any day-care facility operates is to see it for yourself or with your loved one who will be attending. What is the space like? Is it bright, well-lit, cheery and comfortable? Do the people seem happy? Are they engaged in activities or even just having conversations with each other or a staff member?
Ask to see a calendar of events. Look at the last three months of activities and see if it matches what your loved one would be looking for. Are there trips to a local department store each week, arranged lunches once a week or so? Are there lectures offered on issues the elderly face? Parties celebrating various holidays and birthdays?
Try to meet as many staff members as possible. Look for warm, friendly, comforting and motivated employees. You want to be sure they will spend the time it takes to make your loved one feel safe and comfortable.
Look also for an outdoor area where Dad can spend some time on fair-weather days. Some centers have safe, enclosed yards where people can stroll, sit on a park bench, even garden if they choose. While inquiring and viewing any outdoor facilities, ask questions about the security of the building. If Mom tends to wander and lose her way, make sure any exits out of the building are locked and monitored. Some facilities have door codes as security.
Many centers use a variety of therapies to bring out the best in your loved one. Ask if there are any programs such as music or art therapy offered. Can pets visit the facility? Are there days when young children come to visit? All of these offerings can have a dramatic, positive effect on the mental outlook of your loved one.
Another thing to consider is the possibility of overnight care. Some facilities are affiliated with nursing homes and can provide a safe place for your loved one to sleep if you ever need to be away from home for days at a time. Perhaps you can finally schedule that vacation you've been dreaming of without having to worry about your loved one. Be sure to find out, as well, if the facility is open daily as opposed to only five business days.
Most important: Remember, with the right homework done and the right questions asked, you can find a caring, safe and stimulating place for your loved one.
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