The Benefit of Adult Day Centers

So one of my clients pointed out a "Dear Abby" column from a few months ago and asked me: "Why is there nothing in this response about Adult Day Services?"
I read the column and sure enough not one mention of Adult Day Services.  In the column a family is dealing with the ever changes and challenges of Alzheimer's Disease.  They have concerns for safety, inability for self care and isolation.   These are all areas that can be meet with an Adult Day Center at a fraction of the costs of in-home or long term care.
Don't get me wrong, each situation is unique and should be evaluated by the entire family together including the person with the illness.  The suggestions offered in the column's response are excellent choices but I do feel that all options should be represented.
At Adult Day Centers people can attend daily, most centers are open by 7am and don't close until 5pm, there are even some centers that specialize in memory loss programs.  All Adult Day Centers must be licensed by their state.
Be sure not to confuse a Senior Center for an Adult Day Center there is a big difference.  Senior Centers, like Adult Day Centers,  are a place for older adults to gather and participate in different activities that may be available that day.  The difference comes in when the client starts to decline, maybe physically, maybe mentally.  At a Senior Center they will not provide the personal care needs but at an Adult Day Center they will.  If confusion starts to become a problem or they have poor motivation to participate and become part of the group typically a senior center will tell you that it is not working out there for that person anymore but at an Adult Day Center our staff will help engage clients in the activities, find things for them to do that interest them, provide activities to promote self confidence so they can feel success instead of frustration with their losses.
I could go on forever about the benefits of Adult Day Center and I am sure this will not be the last that you hear about how great they are.  If you have or know someone that is older and spends to much time at home, alone, whether they have memory loss or not, please check out an Adult Day Center near you,  you might be surprised what you find.

 Click here for Dear Abby column