When family members need extra help and care during the day, adult day care centers can be a great solution. Adult day centers offer a supportive and safe environment for aging adults to spend time with other people, participate in a variety of different activities, and get help with medical conditions if necessary. Starting a new adult day care experience can feel like a big challenge, however, so these tips can help make the task easier.
Research Different Adult Day Care Options
Different adult day care centers offer different amenities and assistance. Seniors who need memory care, for instance, want to find a center that offers that amenity. Exploring the different options in the area can yield more results than caregivers realize are available. It’s important to take a tour and see what the atmosphere is like. This can help seniors to realize that adult day centers can offer lots of support and assistance without removing independence.
Be Open about Needs
Being open and clear with the staff at a new adult day care center is always a good idea. When the staff understands someone’s needs, they’re better able to find solutions that meet those needs. Family caregivers should share information like allergies, medical concerns, dietary restrictions, and what types of activities their senior would particularly enjoy. All of this information is helpful.
Make a List
Before the first visit it can help to make a list. What, if anything, might be necessary that isn’t in place yet? It’s also important to jot down any lingering questions. Getting answers is a lot easier when the questions are all in one place. Something else to include in the list might be anything that needs to be done at home to make sure that visits to the adult day center go smoothly, too.
Prepare for the First Visit
The first day might be nerve-wracking, but it helps to be prepared. One solution that many family caregivers find helpful is to pack a bag for their senior to take to the adult day care with them. The bag might include a change of clothes, toiletries, and any other necessary items, like medications or something that reminds seniors of home.
Stay Involved and Communicate with the Staff
Staying up to date with calendar information and any important information from the adult day care center is important for family caregivers, too. That is because there can be changes at any moment. If contact information changes, the adult day center needs to know as soon as possible.
Spending time at an adult day care center is rewarding and a lot of fun. Seniors are also able to get help that they need with everything from health issues to hygiene assistance. But those first few visits can be a little bit scary because this is a new experience. Setting everyone involved up for success by following some of these tips can help a lot and can make the situation a little less frightening to go through together.
Oxnard Family Circle: Safe, Reliable, Social and Fun!
If you need respite and/or help with caring for your loved one in any corner of Ventura County, CA (Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Camarillo, etc.), talk to the caring staff at Oxnard Family Circle ADHC. today. 1-805-385-4180
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