Day Care for Alzheimer’s

The numerous responsibilities of Alzheimer’s caregiving can be very overwhelming, and taking a breather is a necessary part of caregiving, for both you and your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Adult day care could be just the thing you need and centers are available in most cities and communities. The types of adult day care can vary, so it will take some time and research to find the right one for your loved one. Here are some tips on what you should be looking for in an adult care center:

 

 

 

 

Choosing a Center: First step is to find out what is available in your area. In general, there are three types of adult care centers that you will come across:
-A social center, where activities and socialization are offered.
-A medical/health center, where nursing or rehabilitation services are available for those who have come out of a hospital or who have a disease that needs to be monitored, as well as activities.
-A specialized center that is specific for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
What to Expect: Adult day care centers typically are open five days a week during normal business hours, but some may also provide evening and weekend services. Programs do vary from center to center, with most offering activities, meals and snacks, and assistance with using the bathroom and other daily living activities. Some centers might have a gardening program, while others may focus on art activities.
Questions to Ask: Before you even start making decisions about adult day care, be sure to talk to your loved one first, if possible. Ask them what their preferences are in a center. Once you have their input and you have narrowed down your search to centers that you’d like to visit, make a list of questions you would want to ask. Be sure to tailor your list to your loved one’s needs, for example:
-What are your hours?
-Do you offer transportation?
-Is your staff trained in dementia?
-What other training do your staff members have?
-These are my loved one’s needs- can you meet these needs?

 

 

 

 

Resource: http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/adult-day-care-for-alzheimers.aspx

 

 

Image courtesy of worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

STUDIES ARE ENROLLING NOW!

MEMORY LOSS

For those who are struggling with memory loss, a memory screen is a step in the right direction to keeping their minds healthy. Apply for a FREE memory screen today!