Written by Debbie Scott
“Mom is becoming more difficult to handle.”
“I am so tired, but who will take care of Dad?”
“I could never put my parents in a nursing home.”
Do any of these phrases sound familiar? Every day in the United States, more than 10,000 baby boomers turn 65—a trend that will continue for the next 19 years. More and more, families need affordable care for loved ones. One option is adult day services (ADS). ADS facilities are typically open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. They provide a safe, stimulating and fun place for participants, and respite for their caregivers.
Most ADS programs have medical staff on site and many have Alzheimer’s or memory care units that provide activities geared to these clients. Some ADS programs accept participants with autism, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. Shop around to find what best fits your needs.
Choosing Adult Day Services: What to Consider
Location is an important factor. Is the ADS center close to home, and if not, are transportation services available?
Next, look at the hours of operation and determine if they fit into your schedule.
Cost is also an important factor to consider as options range from private pay, to Medicaid, waivers and scholarships. ADS, averaging about $65 a day, are a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes, retirement communities and even in-home services. In 2010, the National Adult Day Services Association did an annual cost comparison of care options. See the chart at bottom right for a look at what it found.
Also consider which populations an ADS program serves. Some accept participants 18 years of age and older; some serve adults ages 55 and older; and others are for seniors 60 to 65 years and older. Assess the center to make sure it is the best option for your loved one.
Next, consider licensure. Licensed facilities must maintain certain standards for accreditation. The quality of the staff is equally important. Is the staff trained to handle difficult situations? Can they provide personal and clinical care? Nurses, for example, can monitor the participant’s health and alert the caregiver before a condition becomes problematic.
Last, consider exclusions. Many ADS centers will not care for certain populations. For example: Mom has Alzheimer’s but is still continent and does not wander. Will the facility still allow her to stay if that changes? Always ask, “What if. . .” when choosing ADS because you’ll get important answers upfront. Some allow participants to move to another area within the facility when behaviors progress, while others might require patients to relocate to another facility.
Caregiver Stress and Fatigue
ADS are good for participants, but are also helpful to caregivers who may experience headaches, anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, muscle tension, or sleeping and eating problems. Research shows some 23 percent of caregivers experience a decline in health. The stress of juggling family, work, and 24/7 caregiving responsibilities can be exhausting. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 70 percent of working caregivers suffer work-related difficulties due to their caregiving roles, whether it’s having to rearrange their work schedule, decrease their hours or take an unpaid leave in order to meet the caregiving responsibilities. Of those surveyed, the Alliance found that five percent of caregivers must turn down promotions, four percent must choose early retirement and six percent must give up working entirely.
Adult Day Services allow clients to receive care during the day so the caregiver can go to work without worrying about the safety and well-being of a loved one. There are many challenges to being caregiver, but ADS can make this job an easier responsibility with a more fulfilling outcome.
When is the Right Time for ADS?
If your loved one exhibits a few of the following, it may be time to consider ADS:
• Needs help in self-care
• Requires supervision
• Is socially isolated and lonely
• Is mentally confused
• Is unable to manage personal care and hygiene
• Has poor nutrition
• Requires medical supervision and care
• Is prone to wander
• Needs stimulation
• Needs a quality of life despite disability/illness
• Needs assistance with life skills
• Needs temporary placement
• Has a caregiver who needs support and/or a break from responsibilities