Question

how does a adult daycare settings align with your own beliefs of health and wellness?

Answer 1

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Adult day care center

It is a planned program of activities in a professional care setting designed for older adults who requires supervised care during the day, or those who are isolated and lonely. Adult day care centers enable seniors to socialize and enjoy planned activities in a group setting, while still receiving needed health services. At the same time, they offer family caregivers respite from care giving duties while knowing that their loved one is in a safe place.

Services vary between facilities including the level of care offered. While one type of center focuses mainly on social and recreational services, with a few health related and personal care services, another type will provide more comprehensive medical and therapeutic services. These could include physical, occupational or speech therapy, for example, or medical services administered by a registered nurse or other health professional. Finally, a third type of facility will offer specialized services for adults with a specific health condition, such as dementia or a disability.

THE MAIN SERVICES PROVIDED BY ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS:

1. Social Activities: planned activities like arts, craft, musical entertainments and singing, mentally stimulating games such as bingo, stretching or other gentle exercises, discussion groups, holiday and birthday celebrations and local outings etc..
2. Nutrition: day care centers provide seniors with nutrition meals, including those that accommodate special diets along with snacks.
3. Personal care: center staff can help with the activities of daily living such as grooming, toilet hygiene, walking and feeding.
4. Health services: these can vary from medication dispensing, blood pressure monitoring, hearing and vision screening, for example, to symptom management and more intensive medical or therapeutic services.
5. Transportation: some centers are providing transportation to and from the center and for any local outing.

Some center even offer pet therapy or programs that include children. The Friendship Center in California,they have a project where older adults are encouraged to visit local classrooms and share their life experience with the children, educating and enlivening both groups in the process.

Staffing of Adult Day Care Centers:

• Activity staff, usually an activity director and assistants
• Program assistance who aid with personal care
• A social worker
• A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
• A center director

Benefits

• Safe and secured environment
• Offers educational activities
• Appropriate physical activities which will reduce the risk of fall
• Meaningful social interaction can improve both mental and physical well being.

As a senior, it can be challenging to admit that you are lonely or need help, especially if you have been a highly independent person used to caring for others life.