An adult day center is a good option for seniors who live at home but can benefit from assistance with some aspects of daily living, such as medication management, personal care and social interactions. Great adult day centers offer therapeutic group recreational activities including cognitive stimulation, case management, caregiver support and guidance, and assistance with the activities of daily living. They also provide respite for caregivers.
There are 10 qualities you should keep in mind while visiting an adult day center:
1. Staff — When visiting an adult day center, speak to the people who work there and determine how much experience they have working with mature adults.Are they compassionate and dedicated? Is the staff creative and flexible?
2. Recreational activities — A great adult day center provides a wide variety of energizing and engaging activities that stimulate both the body and the mind.This is especially important for mature adults who are experiencing some cognitive difficulties to stave off further decline.
3. Medical support — The nurses who work in the program should have the experience of handling care coordination for a diverse population of older adults with a wide variety of medical issues in various stages of dementia, including medication management.
4. Personal care — Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide mobility assistance, mealtime support, assistance with dressing and bathroom use, showering and personal hygiene. The program participant should feel comfortable, with all needs addressed quickly and efficiently.
5. Social services — Participants and their family members should have access to professional counseling, caregiver support groups, education and psychosocial support.The program’s social workers support the participant and care partners with information and guidance on securing financial assistance for those who qualify.
6. Transportation services — The Adult Day Center should offer free door-to-door reliable transportation for physically challenged participants within a defined service area.
7. Environment — The Adult Day Center should provide a homelike environment. There should be greenery inside the building and lovely grounds surrounding the center. Local children should visit frequently to foster intergenerational friendships with the program’s participants.Therapy pets should be welcome to visit also, to brighten up everyone’s day.
8. Excellent nutritious food — For health and for pleasure, enjoying lunch with friends is an important social experience.The food should be high quality, nutritious and freshly prepared. The atmosphere should be quiet and soothing, which facilitates easy conversation — especially important for participants who are hard of hearing.
9. Health and wellness center — Studies have shown that exercise is important for mature adults to maintain physical and cognitive health.Yoga and tai chi classes can be modified for people sitting in chairs and still offer the same benefits.The gym equipment has been specifically designed for elders. If possible, choose a program with an onsite pool and Jacuzzi.Aquatic exercises in a heated swimming pool are easy on the joints yet are heart healthy.
10. Personalized plan — The adult day center should have a team that sets up a personalized plan for participants that meets their physical and emotional needs. Information about Medicaid and other financial assistance should be provided for those who qualify.
There are some excellent resources on the Internet that will assist you in finding the best adult day center for you or your loved one. HelpGuide.org is a nonprofit guide for caregivers searching for high quality adult day centers and other services for seniors. NewLifestyles.com and SeniorsBlueBook.com are free resources that offer additional information about adult day centers in the area.
Fern Marder is the marketing communications manager at The Francis E. Parker Memorial Home, 443 River Road, Highland Park. For more information, call 732-545- 8300 or visit www.franciseparker.com.