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There are thousands of adult day centers across the
country. Some are good...some are not so good. How do you tell the
difference between an adult day center you would be thrilled for
your elder to attend and one you should avoid?
There are several steps you should take to find
the best day care program for your individual senior.
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Step #1: Determine What You Need From A Day Program |
___ A. How much time will you need?...Do you
need an occasional break, i.e., one or two afternoons a week, from
one to three full days each week, or five full days to accommodate
your work schedule or other responsibilities?
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B. Do you need transportation assistance?
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C. Do you need a day care program that participates in Medicaid or
where there is a sliding fee scale?
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Step #2: Determine What Your Elder Needs From A Day Care Program
In Addition To Supervision and Social Stimulation |
___ A. A special diet
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B. Help with personal care: bathing, shaving, hair care
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C. Help with using the toilet
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D. Help with walking or eating
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E. Health status monitoring: blood pressure, blood sugar, weight,
etc.
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F. Medical therapies: physical, occupational or speech therapy
If you answered "yes" to "E" or "F" you will want to find a day
program with a nurse on staff.
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Step #3: Use The Telephone First |
Locate local adult day care centers through the
Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116) or your local senior center.
When you call ask about days and hours of operation, the application
process and fees before you plan to make a visit. Ask whether they
have a brochure they can send you or a website you can visit.
| Step #4: Pay an initial visit (on your own
if you can). Make note of the following: |
___ A. Is the facility clean, bright, well furnished and
without odor?
___ B.
Is every part of the building wheelchair accessible?
___ C.
Does the furniture look comfortable? Are there recliners available
for those who need to rest? Do chairs have arms to assist with
standing?
___ D.
Is there a "sick" room where participants can be isolated?
___ E.
Is there a spacious bathing room for anyone who may have had an
accident or who participates in a bathing program?
___ F.
Is there a quiet room for those who may need down time?
___ G.
Do participants help plan activities?
___ H.
Does everyone, staff and participants, appear to be cheerful and
happy to be there?
___ I.
Is there a volunteer program? A pet program? Do children visit?
___ J.
If the facility looks like a place you might consider, ask the
following questions:
___ K.
Who owns the facility, and how long has it been in operation?
___ L.
Is the center licensed?
___ M.
What is the enrollment?
___ N.
How many staff does the facility have, and what is the staff to
participant ratio?
___ O.
What are the staff credentials, and what additional training is
provided?
___ P.
What medical or cognitive conditions does the facility accept? Are
wheelchairs allowed? Is incontinence accepted?
___ Q.
What are the days and hours of operation?
___ R.
Is transportation available?
___ S.
Is there financial assistance available?
___ T.
What are typical activities, and can participants choose whether
they wish to participate? What arrangements are available for those
who do not want to participate in a particular activity?
___ U.
What are the costs for part and full day? Is there a discount for
attending several days per week or per month?
___ V.
Are there support services or programs for families and caregivers?
| Step #5: Give It A Real Try |
Take a trial run at the adult day activity center
that appears to meet your needs best. Expect that your elder may be
reluctant to attend. It often takes several visits before an
individual feels comfortable in new surroundings. Those with
dementia are often frightened until new places become familiar.
Experienced staff will anticipate reluctance and will know how to
overcome these initial fears, so don't be too quick to conclude that
a good day program won't work.
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