|
Tips for Evaluating Adult Day Care
Centers
WESTPORT, CT, November 12, 2007 – As
greater numbers of baby boomers care for aging loved
ones, adult day care centers are becoming an increasingly
popular option for meeting their needs. Adult day care
centers are designed for older adults who benefit from
structure, personal supervision and guidance due to
physical frailties or mental impairments. Some centers
offer social and recreational activities only; others
are specifically suited to individuals with Alzheimer's
disease or dementia; and still others are equipped to
care for adults who require hands-on care or medical
supervision. All adult day care programs are intended
to provide social and recreational activities in a safe,
secure environment to promote community involvement
and self-esteem.
Here are some tips that will help you
carefully evaluate and assess each center in which you
might be interested in placing a loved one:
| |
 |
Visit each center twice—once
at an appointed time and once unannounced. And bring
your loved one with you at least once.
|
| |
|
Talk with older adults who
are at the center (and their family members if possible)
and pay close attention to their mood and the atmosphere
in general.
|
| |
|
Carefully interview the
director of the center and ask if a trial enrollment
period can be arranged.
|
| |
|
Also ask the director:
|
| |
• |
if the center is licensed
and by whom;
|
| |
• |
if the center is inspected by state and/or local
officials and if the inspection records are available
for review;
|
| |
• |
if backup care, transportation and meals or snacks
are offered;
|
| |
• |
what type of personnel are employed at the center
(e.g., physical therapists, social workers, activities
directors, home health aides, registered nurses,
etc.);
|
| |
• |
if the staff members are required to be licensed
and/or certified;
|
| |
• |
what is the staff-to-participant ratio;
|
| |
• |
what safety features the facility provides;
|
| |
• |
what documents (medical and other) are required
for enrollment;
|
| |
• |
what medical services, if any, the center can
access. |
###
LifeCare's Successful
Aging & Caregiving series was created for
reporters who write about aging, adult caregiving and
other challenges of mid-life. Reporters may reprint
the information presented here in whole or in part,
with attribution to LifeCare, Inc.
If you would like more information about a particular topic
or wish to speak to one of LifeCare's Successful AgingSM experts,
please contact Michael Civiello, manager—marketing and media relations,
at 203-291-4170 or pr1@lifecare.com.
About LifeCare®,
Inc.
LifeCare offers cost-saving benefits that help our clients
reduce their most pervasive absenteeism and productivity
drains, including child and elder care, caregiving support,
health and wellness issues, and more. For 23 years,
LifeCare has led the work/life industry in the creation
of high-quality, results-oriented programs designed
to improve our clients' bottom line. LifeCare serves
1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals
within corporations, health plans, government agencies
and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.
Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170
|
|
