How to Decide if a Loved One Needs Adult Daycare

One of the hardest decisions many people have to make is when to place a loved one into adult daycare. For most, this decision arises when a parent or grandparent gets too old to care for themselves. Although the choice may be tough to make, adult daycare may be the best option for your loved one's safety and well-being. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Evaluate the situation. Ask yourself if your loved one still take care of their own basic needs, while you are away, or if they can feed themselves, groom themselves and use the bathroom properly and without incident. Not being able to care for their own basic needs is a clear sign that your loved one may need adult daycare.
2. Discuss it with your loved one, if they are able to understand what you are asking, or another member of the family. This can be a spouse, sibling, parent or any other adult who is close to the situation. Sometimes you need a second opinion and a close relative can offer advice that incorporates both love for the individual in question and an outside view of the of the situation.
3. Check with several centers, to inquire about their facilities, services and costs. This will help you evaluate the benefits of each and to see which, if any, facilities would be a good match for your loved one. Some key things to consider include, what type of activities are offered, staff training and disposition and cost.
4. Weigh the pros and cons. Make a list of the major benefits and drawbacks to placing your loved one into daycare, and see which side comes out ahead. Ultimately, whether or not to place a beloved family member into adult daycare is a difficult decision to make, and the list of pros and cons will be dependent upon your and your loved one's specific needs.