Adult Day Services:
How to Choose a Quality Center
Adult day services help frail seniors and adults with disabilities retain their independence and quality of life, despite chronic health problems or memory loss, by providing professional and compassionate daytime care and services in a community-based group setting. Caregivers receive respite from the demanding responsibilities of caregiving and can continue to work or attend to personal matters worry free. For many families, adult day services is a welcome alternative to nursing home or other residential care.
The following steps will help you in your search for a quality adult day program. It may help to take this article with you when you interview potential providers.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
What specific services are important for your loved one?
- A safe, secure environment
- Social activities
- Assistance with eating, walking, toileting, medicines
- Therapies – physical, speech, occupational
- Health monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, weight
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Special diet
- Exercise
- Mental stimulation
- Personal care – bathing, shaving, hair care
What do you, the caregiver, need?
- Care while you work
- Time to rest or attend to personal matters
- Support
- Transportation
- Assistance in planning for care
Step 2: Beginning the Search
To find adult day services in your area, review the list of providers. To locate other Oklahoma providers, visit the Web site www.okahsa.org/adsao.htm.
Start by calling the adult day centers you are considering and ask for a flier or brochure, or visit their Web site.
Continue your search with well-planned questions. Here are some questions to get you started:
Who is the owner or sponsoring agency? Is it nonprofit or for-profit?
- How many years has it been in operation?
- Is it licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health?
- Is it nationally-accredited by CARF (Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)?
- What are the days and hours of operation?
- Is transportation assistance available?
- Are special services available, e.g., hair care, assisted showers, nursing care, medication administration, restorative care, and physical, occupational, or speech therapy?
- What is the cost (hourly or daily rates)? Are there additional charges?
- Is financial assistance available?
- What are the enrollment criteria? Any restrictions, e.g., age, health conditions, mobility, memory loss, incontinence, developmental disability?
- Are there multiple program areas based on care needs? Or is everyone together?
- Is there specialized Alzheimer’s or dementia care?
- What are the staff credentials? How many staff per participant?
- What are the activities – therapeutic and varied? Examples?
- Are meals provided? Do they accommodate special diets? Do they offer snacks? Is the food prepared on-site or catered?
Step 3: Pay a Visit
Make an appointment to meet personally with the staff and tour the centers on your list. You may find it helpful to make this initial visit alone or with other family members.
Click here for a checklist that will help you decide which adult day center is right for your family.
Step 4: Check References
Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are considering. Ask for their opinion.
Step 5: Try It Out
Arrange for your loved one to visit the center. It’s important to be prepared to try it for several days so your loved one has time to adjust to the new routine and feel comfortable in the new setting. If you have questions or experience any problems during this initial time, be sure to visit with staff for their suggestions on how to make the transition easier.
Step 6: Take Care of Yourself
Although it might be difficult at first – relax. Your loved one is being well cared for. Use this time to work without worry or to take some time for yourself. Gathering input from staff on how your loved one enjoyed their day can relieve your stress and fill in forgotten details.
Remember, the center’s staff is there for you, too. Ask about caregiver support groups, tips to make caregiving easier, and information about other resources available in the community.
Adult day services helps families take care of one another. Following these steps can help you select the adult day program that is right for your family.
Source: Adapted from an article by the National Adult Day Services Association
