There is never a one-size-fits-all solution for looking after our loved ones. Even when someone is receiving care in their own home, there can be good reasons to make a transition to an adult day care center, even on a temporary basis.
Adult daycare centers offer caregivers the chance of a much-needed break. At the same time, they give those in need of care the opportunity to socialize and combat feelings of isolation. So, how can you help in the transition? Read on to find out.
Knowing When It’s Time to Transition to an Adult Day Care Center
Research shows that older people who attend adult day centers enjoy health, psychological and behavioral benefits. More than half of older people who attend these kinds of centers have a degree of cognitive impairment.
Caregivers should consider adult daycare centers when they begin to see signs that an older loved one:
- Can no longer structure their daily activities
- Feels lonely and is seeking interaction with others
- Is experiencing depression or anxiety and needs emotional & social support
- Finds it hard to focus on conversations, reading, or watching TV
- Appears to be no longer safe on their own
Arm Yourself With Plenty of Patience
Any changes to the routine of those receiving home care can feel disruptive. A gradual approach tends to work best. Begin by raising the idea of attending an adult day care center. Explain that:
- Any transition will be for specified hours on certain days
- The key reason for considering a day center is for your loved one’s well-being
Once you’ve decided on a center, take an initial tour with your loved one so that they can take a good look around and find out about the services on offer.
Attend the Center With Your Loved One
Once your loved one has accepted attending an adult day care, go with them for the first few visits. This may be time-consuming but it is a sound investment in the long run. Make notes of what is working well while they are at the center.
These will give you the opportunity to reflect back later and reinforce all the benefits through conversations you can have once they have returned home. You can explain that:
- You’ve noticed a positive change in their well-being since attending the center
- There are many more opportunities to take up and enjoy at the center
- The day center is an experience they can look forward to
A Long-Term Benefit for Everyone
There’s proof that organizing time for a loved one to attend an adult daycare center can also have beneficial effects on a caregiver’s wellbeing. It allows caregivers to stage a restorative and protective response to the physiological demands of caregiving.
Many people find their loved ones are resistant to adult day care at first. They are likely to warm to it after several weeks and start to look forward to seeing others at the center and engaging in activities.
Call us today at 262-236-9194 and find out how to access customized services to help you or a loved one maintain independence during a transition.
