when you consider the cost factors of around $10-12 an hour is it worth it or are there better alternatives out there for 5-6 hours of dementia care on a daily basis.
Everything JG said! The one that I found for my mom is absolutely wonderful! My mom doesn't remember everything there and it is my first creative exercise of the day to get her to get in the car. The last couple of weeks have been easier since I started telling her that we are meeting with the nurse on her activities. The center my mom attends was private then purchased by Innovage about a year ago and it is just over a mile from home. My mom attends Monday through Friday for about 6 hours a day. The cost is well worth it as I also care for moms husband. His primary issue is mobility and strength and requires assistance with shower, medications, doctor scheduling, transportation, etc. Shower cannot be done with mom home, tried once, BIG mistake!
Nobody should be doing this care 24-7. The day program is my only relief and one I finish helping moms husband I have about 15-20 hours a week for me which is usually spent with my bedroom door closed, reading, hoping to get a nap (which normally doesn't happen).
Respite for the caregiver. Respite is absolutely essential to avoid burnout, so don't discount this!
Interaction with other adults. Even for those who don't socialize with their peers, it is nice to have a staff member say "Nice job!" or "I like that color on you."
Hot lunch and snacks. Coffee, tea, other beverages, and encouragement to stay hydrated.
Often special services are available, such as showers or toenail clipping.
Suitable exercise programs.
Less expensive than bringing someone into your home. Also get the benefit of more than one skillset. Day program may have a nurse, social worker, activity director, etc.
Another set of eyes to notice changes and suggest when a medical consultation might be appropriate.
Caveat: Not all programs are created equal. We used one that was too regimented and seemed not always respectful of the participants. And then we found one that was fantastic! It is important that a variety of activities are offered, and that there are options for those who don't want to participate in certain activities.
A day care program is essentially not just for the person with dementia. It's a respite time for the caregiver too. My husband attends day care three days a week. It gives him socialization I can't give him at home while allowing me to run errands, take care of my appointments or just go home and take a nap.
If the cost is a problem you can check with your state Dept of Aging to see if there is financial help there or if the person is a vet, check with your local VA office social worker.
There are so many benefits to adult day programs. Probably first and foremost is the socialization aspect. Those that attend have the opportunity to be with friends, have a variety of activities, their day is very structured and routine. Their are studies that show brain stimulation as provided by the program can actually slow the progression of the disease.
Day programs also provide the mid-day meal which is balanced, this is one meal that caregivers will not have to prepare. Participating in a day program while providing structure and routine, also provide a 24/7 caregiver some quiet time and respite.
Nobody should be doing this care 24-7. The day program is my only relief and one I finish helping moms husband I have about 15-20 hours a week for me which is usually spent with my bedroom door closed, reading, hoping to get a nap (which normally doesn't happen).
Interaction with other adults. Even for those who don't socialize with their peers, it is nice to have a staff member say "Nice job!" or "I like that color on you."
Hot lunch and snacks. Coffee, tea, other beverages, and encouragement to stay hydrated.
Often special services are available, such as showers or toenail clipping.
Suitable exercise programs.
Less expensive than bringing someone into your home. Also get the benefit of more than one skillset. Day program may have a nurse, social worker, activity director, etc.
Another set of eyes to notice changes and suggest when a medical consultation might be appropriate.
Caveat: Not all programs are created equal. We used one that was too regimented and seemed not always respectful of the participants. And then we found one that was fantastic! It is important that a variety of activities are offered, and that there are options for those who don't want to participate in certain activities.
If the cost is a problem you can check with your state Dept of Aging to see if there is financial help there or if the person is a vet, check with your local VA office social worker.
Day programs also provide the mid-day meal which is balanced, this is one meal that caregivers will not have to prepare. Participating in a day program while providing structure and routine, also provide a 24/7 caregiver some quiet time and respite.