Adult Day Care Facilities.

(picture from 'eldercare' website)

There have been several new adult day care centers in the area. I know a few people who have had their parents attend the programs and they have been pleased and mom and/or dad loved it. I had mentioned it to my mom, figuring once she started feeling better, she could attend one a couple of times a week (we never got to that point). These centers can provide attendees therapies, socialization, activities, exercise, prepared meals. From what I understand, there are social workers there who can assess the adults to see what may be needed and come up with the best plan for them. Many of these centers now will also have programs for those elderly parents who have dementia or Alzheimer's.

You should always go to the facility to visit first; observe the staff, the cleanliness of the rooms, check the bathrooms, ask about their programs. Sometimes there is transportation provided. Ask about nursing care - are there nurses there during the day.

AARP's book "Staying at Home", mentions that you should check with your local agency on aging to check on a facility's licensing. I checked with our local Department of Elderly Affairs and they listed a variety of locations and there were numerous factors to look at. The same site referred to 'Eldercare Locator'. The link will lead you to locator where you put in some information and you find places in your area, hopefully matching your needs. Our local Elderly Affairs website cautions -- while the initial access is free, there may be a charge helping to find a place in your area, so please talk to someone.

Also, check with the facility about fees -- some may be free, some may be based on a sliding scale or full fee. Check to see if Medicaid will help. You have to qualify for Medicaid.

Adult day care services also provide respite for those family caregivers who need a break or let them continue to work.