LIVING WELL Magazine

By: Laura Nelson, Centura Health at Home, for SENIOR Magazine (Colorado Springs edition)

If you are a caregiver for an elderly parent, spouse, or loved one, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can continue to provide good care. One option to consider is adult day care.

According to the National Adult Day Services Association, adult day programs are designed to provide social and some health services to adults who need supervised care in a safe place outside the home during the day. They afford caregivers a respite from the demanding responsibilities of caregiving. Adult day programs usually provide social and therapeutic activities, meals and snacks, and personal care. Often, adult day programs serve persons with early stage Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

When choosing an adult day program, it’s important to determine the needs of the person who requires care. But also look at what you, the caregiver, needs. Is it free time? Care for a loved one while working, or socialization and activities for your loved one?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN ADULT DAY CARE

According to Leslie Moberly, Coordinator for Namaste Adult Day Program in Colorado Springs, some things to look for when selecting an adult day program include the following:

Who owns the program and how long has it been in business?

What are hours/days of operation?

What is the cost?

Is the program Medicaid-certified?

Can clients attend on an as needed basis?

What additional services are provided? (Some adult day programs, such as Namaste, provide bathing and hair care at extra cost, which can be a challenge for caregivers to provide at home.)

What are staff and volunteer credentials?

Once you’ve done your research, visit the adult day program and then have your loved one try it out.

Laura Nelson is Marketing Director at Centura Health at Home and adds that the staff at Namaste Alzheimer Center is happy to answer questions about adult day services, and welcomes visitors. Call them at 719-776-6300 for information.