As greater numbers of baby boomers care for aging loved ones, adult day-care centers are becoming an increasingly popular option.
Adult day-care centers are designed to benefit older adults with structure, personal supervision and guidance and while facing physical frailties or mental impairments. These centers are also extremely beneficial to those taking care of loved ones and having trouble leaving them home unsupervised.
Some centers offer social and recreational activities only, other centers specialize in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and some care for adults who require hands-on care and medical supervision. These programs are intended to provide social and recreational activities in a safe, secure environment while promoting community involvement and self-esteem.
“It can be difficult for people who are providing for individuals to go to work with a clear mind,” said Dr. Barney Spevick, medical director of LifeCare Inc. in Shelton, Conn. “These services are necessary and becoming more and more popular as people are becoming aware of them.”
Often those interested in these services have trouble finding which center is right for their loved ones. LifeCare, an employee benefit organization, suggests that you visit each center twice, once at an appointed time and once unannounced, bringing your loved one with you at least once.
LifeCare also recommends doing things like making sure the center is licensed and finding out if the center has been inspected by the state. They also recommend interviewing the director of the center and initially pursuing a trial enrollment period.
According to Spevick, many of these facilities have consolidated and merged, and today are predominantly centers operated by “committed, dedicated and skilled groups of people.”
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