Adult day care provides caregivers with much-needed respite, giving them a break to run errands, spend time with family or just get away from the stress of caregiving. But when a parent has Alzheimer's disease, caregivers tend to be more reluctant to leave their elderly parent at an adult day care.
However, there are adult day care centers that specialize in caring for people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with dementia-tailored activities and staff who are specially trained in the disease.
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Adult day care can be another form of respite care. People with dementia most often attend these programs during the day and return home in the evening.
Is Adult Day Care Right for Your Parent?
How does a caregiver who has an elderly parent with Alzheimer's or dementia know if they should consider adult day care? Here are some questions to ask:
- Does the elderly parent with dementia seem unable to provide any structure for their daily activities?
- Is the elderly parent isolated from others for more than an hour or two each day and misses companionship?
- Can the elderly parent with Alzheimer's or dementia be safely left at home alone?
- Does the caregiver work outside the home or need a regular break?
Alzheimer's day care centers offer a host of benefits for caregivers and their elderly parents. First and foremost they provide a safe environment for the elder, with safety features in place to handle wandering and other behaviors that are common among Alzheimer's and dementia patients. The staff is trained to pay attention and look for signs of trouble or dangerous behaviors in elders.
Daily activities, exercise and socialization are tailored to elders with Alzheimer's or dementia. Most adult day care centers serve meals throughout the day.
These programs may be available at senior centers, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. A day care program may provide such activities as crafts, music and exercise. Some programs include physical, occupational and speech therapy.
In addition, adult day staff provides assistance with personal care and toileting, as well as coordinated care between physicians, families and other care providers.
Programs run from several hours to a full day. Participants may attend daily, a few times a week, weekly, or just for special activities. Weekend and evening care are less common, although this is changing as demand for adult daycare rises. (All options vary.)