Adult care facilities, also known as adult day care, offers the elderly an alternative to nursing homes. Adult day cares provide a safe place during the day while loved ones are at work. The center provides meals, activities, entertainment and social interaction. The benefits often exceed the expectations of participants and caregivers. The following details include the benefits of attending an adult care facility.
- Peace of Mind – If your elderly loved one lives in your home, chances are you are their caregiver. Allowing your loved one to attend an adult day care will give you peace of mind knowing they are in a safe place while your go to work or run errands.
- Social Interaction – Adult day care facilities provide patients with the opportunity to interact socially with other members. Interesting and long conversations about topics they enjoy helps to keep their mind sharp and prevent depression.
- Something to Look Forward to – Sometimes the elderly feels isolated and becomes depressed from being in the house all day and night. A patient that knows they will be seeing friends and have a place to go on a daily basis will feel energized and look forward to visiting the day care.
- Exercise – Your loved one will be encouraged to exercise to the best of their ability. Daily movement helps improve and maintain good circulation and other health benefits.
- Healthy Meals and Snacks – Meals and snacks are served throughout the day at the adult day care. You can feel confident that your loved one is eating healthy and staying hydrated.
- Activities – Exciting activities such as art, crafts, music, games, and field trips keep the patients entertained.
- Health Screenings – Some adult day care facilities have professional nursing staff on the premises that provide health screenings to encourage good health. The nursing staff also offers discussions regarding diet and exercise, health changes, administer medication and help with other health issues.
Home caregivers and patients are often relieved to learn that adult day care facilities exist. It saves the patient from living in a long-term nursing facility. It also helps relieve the guilt of the family members that were forced to place their loved one in a nursing home. The adult day care option offers family members and patients the opportunity to live together and still receive quality care. It also is a big help to the family as they try to balance caring for their loved one and leading a fulfilled life of work, home, taking care of children and more.