|
|
 Adult Day Care Centers have been around for over 20 years. They are growing in numbers, as well as in the services they offer. The majority of the caregivers are family members who provide care at home for their aging loved one. The majority of families work very hard to keep their aging loved one at home. It can take a toll both financially and physically. Adult Day Care provides a service that allows a caregiver to continue to work, the freedom to be able to perform personal business or maintain social contacts and activities that can prevent burnout. It also provides a safe environment in a cost effective setting allowing the aging adult the ability to remain at home, in the community, and with family and friends. In adult day care the aging adult is encouraged to socialize, which in turn, enhances self esteem. An individualized plan of care is developed specifically for your loved one. |
Statistically speaking, 80 percent of adult day cares providers are non-profit organizations, 10 percent are for profit and 10 percent use only public funding. Many centers provide transportation, some free of charge. Others charge by the trip and others by the number of miles. Full time nursing services are in place at most sites.
Fees can vary. Many facilities offer services with a sliding scale, meaning the family members pay a fee based on their income.
Funding for these programs vary from state to state.
- Medicaid may pay all costs if the senior qualifies financially.
- Some day care centers offer need based scholarships.
- Private medical insurance may cover a portion of day care when there are licensed medical professionals involved in the care and the facility is licensed.
- Long term care policies may pay for services depending on the policy.
- Dependant tax credits may be available to the caregiver as well.
Types of Adult Day Care
There are three types of care depending on the state in which you reside, and which may or may not require licensure.
Social day care is a program for the aging adult that does not have any medical healthcare needs. This type of program allows interaction with others and activities that areage appropriate such as discussing currents events, singing and exercise programs. Nutritional meals and snack are provided. Assistance with personal care, such as toileting, may or may not be available at some sites.
Social day care provides companionship and allows new friendships to be made. It also gives the aging adult an opportunity to get out of the house and receive both mental and social stimulation. Social day care is not covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Long term care insurance policies vary and would need to be reviewed to see if payment for these services is covered.
Adult Day Health Care is a program that assists aging adults with a range of needs, including medical, health and social. This setting often requires a referral by a physician.There are a variety of services provided including monitoring medications, incontinence care and rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy. An individualized plan of care is developed with goals to restore or maintain the aging adult to their prior level of functioning and level of independence.
Dementia Day Care specializes in caring for those individuals that suffer from decreasing cognitive function. This can range from someone suffering from Alzheimer’s,Parkinson’s, stroke or other dementia related conditions. Dementia day care provides an individualized program, in a safe environment that offer appropriate activities with memory loss or confusion. The staff should have experience and training in dementia care, behavioral management strategies and communication techniques. The staff to aging adult ratio provides adequate supervision to allow mobility in a structured environment, building upon the aging adult’s abilities and strengths. The payment for the services provided may be for by Medicaid. Contact your local Aging and Adult Services as this can vary from state to state.
How to choose an Adult Day Care Center
Family members must do some research to determine which adult day care center is right for their loved one to attend.
A quality adult day care program should:
- Conduct an individual needs assessment before admission to evaluate the aging adults abilities and needs .
- Provide a comprehensive program that addresses the daily social, recreational, and rehabilitation needs of each individual .
- Develop an individualized treatment plan that includes family participation. This plan of care should be monitored regularly and adjusted to meet the changing needs of the aging adult. They should provide referrals to other community services if the need arises.
- Provide a full range of services specific to the type of day care program that you choose for your loved one. This includes personal care, health monitoring, transportation, counseling and meals.
- Provide a safe and secure environment and adheres to existing State and national Adult Day Care standards and guidelines
- Evaluate the hours of services provided and days of availability. Hours that a person may attend can vary from a few hours to a full day. Daily attendance can vary to 1 day a week to 5 days a week. Some programs offer half days on Saturdays.
- Use clear criteria for service and guidelines for termination of those services based on the functional status of the person in their care.
It is challenging to finally admit to needing help. It is especially difficult to have your loved one go to a strange place and be cared for by someone else. This really can be a winning situation for all involved. Adult day care allows the caregiver a much needed break from the physical and emotional demands of round the clock care. It could even deter premature placement of a loved one into an institutionalized setting. The aging adult benefits by getting out of the house in a safe secure setting that will promote improvement in their mental and physical well being. There is no place like home and being surrounded by familiar things and your loved ones.
Adult day care offers a safe alternative for your loved one in a caring environment and allows them to return to their home after a day out. Be sure you are getting the most up to date information on aging in place
You Will Discover...
|
