Retirement age is 55 to 60 but more seniors are still able to cope and are still productive as volunteers or in any earning capacity. Some have gone back to school to learn new skills to get into better paying jobs available for their age. These lucky few do not need the services of adult daycare services.
Adult daycare service is of two types. The social day care provides meals, social activities, recreation, and health related services. For those who have serious medical problems intensive therapeutic services are incorporated to respond to medical alerts. Social services are still provided but these are designed for those with severe medical problems.
Adult day care is affordable than the regular nursing home. These are open Mondays to Fridays. Working family members can drop their elderly or disabled adult at the day care center and fetch them after work.
The following are ideal candidates for adult daycare:
•Living alone and cannot cope with day-to-day living activities
•Have chronic ailments and need nursing care
•Need companionship and stimulating activities
•Need short term care after hospitalization
•Have physical disabilities
•Need emotional support
•Have family members all working during the day
•Need therapy
The services are not limited to catering to physical and health needs. In the adult daycare, the seniors learn new stuff, are given earning opportunities. Studies have shown that elderly people who have productive lives and are financially independent live longer and are happier.
What to Look for in an Adult Day Care?
Before signing up your loved one to an adult day care service, talk with your doctor or members of the Church. They can recommend a place that’s is reliable and equipped with trained health caregivers, nurses, and therapists who can respond quickly to medical alerts.
Not all day care centers for the elderly are licensed so it is important to visit the place and learn what they have to offer. Also, take a look at their credentials. The longer the establishment has been in business, the better. Also, talk to the staff and family members of the elderly who are currently in the program or who have used the program.
When scouting for a day care center for your elderly parent or relative, choose one nearby to avoid the hassles of daily commute. The center should be able to provide good hot meals and follow dietary restrictions, have physical and nursing facilities and a program for social activities. They should have the facilities for especial needs for adults with serious medical problems or are recuperating or undergoing treatment.
Day care service charges $20 a day or $100, depending on the services provided. Since Medicare does not cover day care service, inquire if the day care center accepts Medicaid, and other state or federal financial support programs such as Older Americans Act, and Veterans Administration.
When shopping for an adult daycare, it is always an advantage to know what you are getting for your loved. Put in mind that this service is much better than sending a loved one to an institution.
