About Adult Day Care Facilities

More and more elderly adults need long term care than ever before. Large numbers of baby boomers are retiring and are caring for themselves or are being cared for by family members or friends. If you are caring for an elderly adult and have felt the need for a break you may have thought about adult day care. Before you make a choice about using an adult day care facility you should know the facts about what an adult day care facility can do for you and your elderly relative.

Adult Day Care Facilities

Adult day care provides elderly adults with daytime supervision and a number of activities and social events. These activities encourage social interaction and health related activities. In adult day care facilities meals are provided and elderly adults have the chance to meet and have friendships with other elderly adults. Adult day care facilities are also excellent options for elderly adults with physical or health problems or those with early stages of dementia.

Benefits of Adult Day Care

Perhaps the largest benefit of adult day care is that is allows you to have some relief from the constant duties of care giving. In addition, many caregivers use adult day care facilities because they also hold full time jobs that make care giving during the day impossible. When you look into adult day care you will find that your elderly relative or parent is well taken care of with healthy meals and snacks, the company of friends and peers, monitoring of physical and mental health, and activities that are safe and that allow elderly adults to maintain some independence in their lives.

Adult Day Care Services

If your parent or elderly relative decides to attend adult day services they will enjoy a variety of fun activities and services. Many adult day care services include crafts, art activities, music and entertainment, field trips and outings, holiday celebrations and fun games. Most adult day services will also include some nursing care as well.

Costs of Adult Day Care

Adult day care can be expensive, often costing around $50 a day. Medicare does not cover the costs associated with adult day care; however, Medicaid will cover some or all of these costs if your elderly parent or relative is in the low income range. Long term care insurance may also cover some of the costs associated with adult day care. Various non-profit organizations or state programs may help to cover the high expense of adult day care so check with these organizations.

Conclusion

If you have thought about adult day services for your parent, visit with the nearest center to find out more about the types of programs and activities they offer. The benefits for both elderly adults and caregivers will make the expense worth it.

References

• HelpGuide.org