Do they pick up more viruses at an adult day center being around so many other people?

Hand washing is key.

Thank you everyone for your kind and thoughtful responses!

Unless we wrap ourselves and elders in bubble wrap, somewhere along the line there is a chance of picking up a cold. We are all one step ahead of everyone has their flu shot :)

One thing I had stopped doing at a doctor's office is picking up the magazines in the waiting room to read.... yuk, you never know if someone has sneezed into it accidently.

Like most aspects of care this is about risk and benefit, isn't it? What does your loved one risk by being isolated at home? What does she gain? (Less exposure to germs, presumably.) What does your loved one gain by attending a day program? What are the risks.

There are no "perfect" solutions. Some are less imperfect than others. Consider the risks and benefits and decide what your loved one needs most at this period of her life.

My husband attended a day program 2 or 3 days a week for about 3 years. I would make that decision again for his needs (and mine) at that point in his life. Only you can decide for your loved one.

As the spouse, caregiver and nurse of a husband who also has respiratory issues, the more people one comes into contact with, the greater chance of picking up a virus. If the daycare is also for people with dementia, that doubles because they will forget to wash their hands before and after going to the bathroom, before eating, etc. They also touch the same games, newspaper, remote control, etc. Get the flu and pneumonia vaccine to help build up immunity to any foreign viruses.

Yes, to your question in dark type.

SW, the adult care center my Mom attends is vigilent about participants that are ill do not come. These centers are very aware, as are preschools, that those served by the center are more prone to become ill when others are contagious. If you are considering sending Mom to a day care facility, drop in numerous times to see if there is coughing, sniffling, wheezing or even alot of sleeping going on. Ask them the policy about sickness and not attending when participants are ill.

Last year the center my Mom attends posted a sign on the door that anybody experiencing flu symptoms put on a mask when entering the center. This was even for those present for only a few minutes during pick up or drop off. My Mom has actually been quite healthy and has not caught anything at the center.

My mil has been going to adult day care for about 6 months now. We have not had 1 issue. Ours has a nurse on staff and they seem to monitor things closely. Most stay home when sick. Knock on wood, but my mil hasn't had 1 thing happen. Not even a cough. As long as nurses are on staff, I think you'd be safe. I have kids at home, that must bring home crap from school. No different. As long as the flu shot is given along with the other ones, all is good :)

Being in any crowded situation exposes every one to unwelcome germs soo yes she should avoid crowded places and you should be very vigilent about hygiene and make sure everyone in the house has their flu shot and mom is up to date on pneumonia too. Do not allow sick people to visit and that includes healthcare workers. If she needs to go to the Dr don't let her sit in a crowded waiting room, keep her out in the car till it is your turn. Tell the receptionist that you are doing it. If it is a big facility take someone else with you who can advise you when her name is called or leave you cell# with the receptionist. When the weather is not too cold get her out in the fresh air. use humidifiers in the house and have her drink plenty of liquids. It is all about commonsense.