Adult day programs are booming. And for good reason. Similar to children’s day care centers, they give caregivers a much-needed break. For the ill loved one, these centers can open doors to the wider world.
Perhaps your aging parents could benefit from such a program. Last week Sandy Sabersky, Executive Director of Elderwise Adult Day Care in Seattle, spoke to a group of senior care professionals. Here are some facts about adult day care, from Sabersky and other sources.
1. Adult day social programs focus on community, friendship and engaging activity. Elderwise is such a program. “The aging person is a whole person,” Sabersky says. Her goal is to stimulate the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of the elder’s life.
2. A second type of day care, adult day health, specializes in health-related services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy.
3. Programs vary. Some offer drop-in options, others are a four-hour session, from 10 am to 2 pm, etc. Some are designed for elders with memory issues.
4. Adult day sessions often begin with a greeting/coffee time, similar to a supported coffee shop experience.
5. Water color painting, working with clay, and focused discussion on current topics are some of the possible activities.
6. Lunch is included. “We do everything together,” Sabersky says.
For more information on adult day programs, check out the National Adult Day Services Association.
Great information here! This will be extremely helpful for those who just don't know where to start in regard to their parent's adult day programs. There are so many varieties of programs and services it can often be confusing. Thanks for sharing!