Programs vary in type, such as:
· Who they serve
· The hours they are open
· Services offered
· Size of facility
· Staff qualifications and training
· Allowing for caregiver involvement
· Opportunity to have healthcare needs met with staff
· Clinical options
· Healthcare monitoring
Adult Day Programs provide engaging social and recreational activities, companionship, and meals, along with personal care for each participant. A program that develops individual care plans for each person is ideal. Taking into consideration the activities that an individual is interested in enhances their enjoyment of the program. Activities may include art projects, gardening, reminiscence groups, bingo, card and trivia games, journaling, exercise, book club, jewellery making and other workshops. For many, the friendships that develop become an ongoing source of joy and meaning in their lives.
Adult Day Health Care Programs also provide a medical component and are for those with more intensive health and therapeutic needs. For those that do not qualify for a regular day program this is a viable option, the issue becomes finding one. Incontinence is a big issue with elders and many programs simply can’t handle this need. Medical and non-medical services may include nursing care or personal support. A nurse is part of the program to monitor health status. Depending on the need an option to have extra nursing, personal support, physical therapy, speech therapy, mental health support as well as other clinical support is in place. This program is available
This Program also serves the frail elderly who meet eligibility criteria for nursing home-level care but are waiting on list. During this time they are able to come to the program during the day and have all aspects of the care they require.
Proven benefits for participants
· Adult Day Health Programs provide essential health monitoring and medical services. Due to professional training and on-going contact with participants, staff often identify health and compliance problems before they become a crisis.
· In one study, emergency room activity decreased by 56%, total hospitalizations decreased by 75%, falls decreased by 72%, and mental status was improved or maintained in 69% of participants after six months attendance at an adult day health program.
· The overwhelming majority of frail elders prefer to live in their own home or the home of a family member. These programs help make this possible for many. Assistance with door-to-door transportation to and from the program may be arranged for you.
· Those living alone find relief from isolation and depression in a supportive environment. Shared noon meals can stimulate appetite. Some programs include the option of meals or bring your own.
· Still others are able to live with family members because attendance at a program allows the primary caregiver(s) to continue to work, to meet other responsibilities, and to avoid caregiver burnout.
More Affordable than You Think!
· Since more than 80% of caregiving for the elderly and disabled is done by family members, Adult day programs provide respite for family members, which helps to keep caregivers with their responsibilities and keeps elders at home. Programs also serve an educational function, support groups, workshops and talks on self-care and caregiving skills is essential to caregiver health.
· The financial burden of long-term care is another major challenge, and stressor, for many families. Adult day programs offer care at a fraction of the cost of home care, nursing homes, or assisted living alternatives. Adult day programs with a health care component are an even better alternative. Private pay rates can be from $30/day for adult day care and $60/day for adult day health care vs. $25-$30 an hour for homecare or $2800-$4500 a month for retirement homes. Subsidy programs can further reduce out-of-pocket costs at both types of programs.
Encouraging someone to attend adult day care
Adult Day Centers offer activities and care to those with mild to moderate symptoms. The cost is usually modest, compared with in-home care or retirement home. This issues caregivers deal with is convincing their family members to attend and the guilt feelings they may experience for shared caregiving. Following these simple steps may help you:
1. Convince yourself first. Understanding that you require assistance with caregiving is necessary for your own health and finding the right program will enhance your relationship and life enjoyment.
2. Ask for referrals to local programs from your doctor, your local CCAC or other professionals on your care team, look online or in the phone book. Once you find one book a tour, to see what might interest your family member and to discuss any obstacles you anticipate. Staff are experts at working with reluctant people to attend, and managing newcomer anxiety.
3. Look for a program that offers the hours your require, will work with you on caring for your loved ones needs and one that offers caregiver support as well...
4. Develop a convincing reason for attendance. What would your reason and their reason be… Some people attend because they see the center as their “Club” or as “class.” Some go for a particular activity, or to be with a new friend. Some attend to help others, as a volunteer would. Ask other family members, your doctor or other sources that the senior would trust.
5. Schedule your family member’s visit when there is an activity (e.g., music, crafts, exercise, or discussion) that they might enjoy and try out on the spot. Then meet with the nurse or other staff to have their assessment done all in one day. Too many visits can create confusion and anxiety. Maybe you can attend with them the first time or let them know that you are also going to be attending your own workshops at the centre.
6. Take one step at a time. The objective of the first, short visit is simply to have the person agree to return for a day. Don’t push too hard; use a Try-it-and-see approach.
7. Be firm. Initially, the person may enjoy going, but complain to you of being unhappy. Don’t argue. Next day just assume that you will return. Try saying, “They are expecting you today,” or “I want you to go for a little while,” or “Let’s talk about that later.”
8. Possibly find someone who can take him or her, who has influence with your family member to do things.
9. Start with a few, short days. Two visits a week is a minimum for someone with memory loss. Short days are less taxing for newcomers. When the routine becomes comfortable, you can add days. It can take time to adjust.
10. Reinforce the positive. Support any positive experiences that your family member has or that you or staff noticed.
11. When a person is too agitated it becomes counterproductive. Some find that trying again after a few weeks is more successful.
Recommendation: for a Adult Day Health Care Program - go to www.fulllifecentre.com or call Anna 905.436.2772 for a tour.
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