Many families willingly turn their lives upside down in order to provide familial care for their loved ones, with Alzheimer’s disease. As a family caregiver, not only do you worry about leaving your loved ones with strangers they do not know, but you also worry about the quality of the care they receive when you are not there.  It’s very important to make sure someone is looking out for their best interests. However, no matter how much you love your aging loved one, there will come a point in your role as a family caregiver that you need a break from care giving.

Stepping away and getting help from additional family or friends is one option. But adult day care services are another viable option. Utilizing the help of professional staff, you can make sure that you provide excellent care for your Alzheimer’s patient without sacrificing your own health and mental well being.

The Adult Day Care Option

Adult day care offers structured daily programs that are community-based. They emphasize activities which are mentally stimulating, and they plan health-related and rehab services in a safe and friendly environment.  While some adult day care service providers cater to a number of clients with a variety of disorders and health conditions, others specialize in the treatment and care of Alzheimer’s patients specifically.  These facilities may be your best option.

At these centers, care is provided for patients during the daytime, and then patients return home at night to receive care from family members.  Many facilities make the transition from day care to home even easier by offering transportation services to and from the day care center.

At adult day care centers patients are usually provided the following standard services:

• Meals
• Therapy sessions including physical, speech, and occupational therapy
• Social activities including projects, inter-generational programs, crafts, music, movies, and more
• Support with daily living activities
• Emotional support
• Medical services from health care workers such, as nurses
• Additional support from social workers and other staff members

When it is time to select an adult day care facility, you should begin by locating the potential centers in your general area.  Start by contacting local centers on aging and area churches. They can often help you locate the adult day care facilities in your region.  Sometimes assisted living facilities and nursing homes also offer day services.

When considering your options you should ask several questions about the program. Find out how long the center has been operating and ask where the center receives its funding.  You should also get general information regarding the centers hours of operation, transportation arrangements, and fee schedule. Once you have had the opportunity to investigate your options, you can make a more informed decision.