Adult daycare often has a negative stigma associated with it. Many caregivers don’t want to enroll their loved one into adult daycare. They feel that it is degrading to their loved one. However, adult daycare comes with tremendous benefits for caregivers and senior citizens. On a long-term basis, it can be much more beneficial to a senior citizen compared to sitting at home waiting for a caregiver to return.
What Is Adult Day Care?
Adult daycare provides senior citizens with an opportunity to participate in an assortment of activities such as exercise, entertainment, art, outings, and more. The programs often focus on social interaction, medical care, and Alzheimer’s care. Adult daycares typically operate during normal business hours. They help senior citizens keep busy through activities and socialization while maintaining a safe environment.
Benefits for Caregivers
Adult day care serves as a tremendous help for caregivers and can reduce the stress that is often placed on them. If left at home alone, many seniors are prone to falls or could even be a wander risk. Caregivers do not need to be worried about their loved ones while they are being cared for and entertained at adult daycare. Many caregivers believe they will feel guilty if they enroll their loved one into an adult daycare program. However, it can actually reduce guilt. Caregivers will experience true peace of mind from adult daycare that they could not get when their loved one was at home alone.
Benefits for Senior Citizens
Senior citizens, especially those that struggle with cognitive impairments, find comfort in routine and structure. They will become used to getting up daily and going to participate in adult daycare activities. They will grow connected to the people that they meet there. Adult daycare can also help senior citizens gain a sense of independence knowing they have somewhere to be. Seniors will be able to socialize with others, helping their cognitive functions. They can be entertained by physical exercise, live entertainment, and art courses, things that cannot be provided at home, all while remaining safe.
Consider These Factors
When choosing an adult daycare for your loved one, it is important that you choose the right one for you and for them. Ask the staff questions so you feel comfortable with your final decision. Ask about the cost, the services, and the hours they are open to understand if these things all work for you. Talk to your loved one about what courses or programs they’d be interested in and narrow it down to the places that offer those. You should also consider if transportation is provided and the protocol for emergency situations.
If you are a caregiver that is exhausted physically and mentally, constantly trying to make sure your loved one is safe and accounted for, consider an adult day care program to ease some of that stress. This will not only help you, but also help your loved one get better care and For more advice on how to care for your senior loved ones, check out our other blog posts.
