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Adult day services care for your loved one--and you
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Question: I’ve heard a lot lately from other caregivers about adult day services. What do they offer?
“Day services provide your loved one a wide range of services while allowing you respite to run errands, enjoy time with friends, and participate in activities that don’t involve caregiving,” says Beth Meyer-Arnold, MS, RN, chair of the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA). “They’re also great places to meet other caregivers who understand the stresses involved and can help diminish the isolation caregiving often creates.”
Centers may also offer support groups and educational programs and will refer you to other community resources. “Interacting with other people also gives your loved one an opportunity to make new friends and participate in activities you may not have time to provide,” Meyer-Arnold says.
What to Expect
Most day programs offer a range of services, which should cater to your loved one’s needs and interests, Meyer-Arnold says.
Medical/health/wellness A day service may provide well-balanced meals and snacks developed by a dietitian or dietitian consultant. “It will also have nurses or certified nursing assistants on staff to monitor your loved one’s medications, blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar,” says Meyer-Arnold. “Some may also have physicians, podiatrists, dentists, and physical therapists.”
Social/recreational Book discussion groups, music programs, mind alertness and memory enhancement programs, and art therapy are just some of the activities your loved one can enjoy. “Programs stem from participants’ interests and include meaningful activities, not just programs to keep them busy,” Meyer-Arnold says.
Personal care “Maybe your mom can’t go to the bathroom by herself or can’t shower because she can’t step over the sides of the tub,” says Meyer-Arnold. “A day center can help with these needs a few days a week.”
When Should You Consider It?
“Older adults live longer and more independently than they did just 15 years ago,” Meyer-Arnold says. But some need a little help to continue living on their own, either in their homes or with their adult children. In either case, working caregivers may feel uncomfortable leaving their loved ones at home all day. “You may worry about their safety or whether they’ll eat well while you’re gone,” she says. “You may also be concerned that they’re alone with nothing meaningful to do. That’s when adult care may be a good option.”
What Does It Cost?
Daily fees for services are almost always less than those for home health visits and about half the price of skilled nursing facilities. “The price you pay helps your loved one remain independent for as long as possible,” says Meyer-Arnold. “The average daily cost of day centers runs about $56 but may be more or less depending on the services they provide. If you don’t think you can afford this kind of care, talk to the center’s director. She may accept sliding-scale payments and offer scholarship funds. She’ll also help you find other funding sources.”
In general, neither Medicare nor supplemental insurance plans cover adult day services. “But many long-term care policies and several specialty insurance plans, such as those for railroad employees and retired employees, do help,” Meyer-Arnold says. “Government programs such as Medicaid, funds provided under the Older Americans Act, and community block grant programs cover adult day services as well.”
Making the Choice
To find a day center compatible with your needs, Meyer-Arnold suggests you ask yourself what your loved one requires, such as social activities, help with personal care, health monitoring, or physical, speech, or occupational therapy. Consider how the service will benefit you. You may need occasional free time, coverage while you work, or extra support.
Regular contributor Linda Rao writes about health and senior issues for many national publications.
Find An Adult Care Center Near You
In addition to your doctor or local senior center, these organizations can offer information about adult day services and help you find a provider.
National Adult Day Services Association Inc.
85 South Washington, Suite 316
Seattle, WA 98104
800-558-5301
www.nadsa.org
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
1730 Rhode Island Ave., Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
800-677-1116
www.n4a.org
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