It’s no secret that older adults overwhelmingly want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Due to high housing costs and other considerations, more families than ever are living in multi-generational homes. While this can be beneficial to all involved, adult children work outside the home and grandchildren are at school, often resulting in the older adult being left alone during the day.
In the Bay Area, we are lucky to have a plethora of social, cultural, and engaging activities for all ages. However, due to physical decline or cognitive loss, many older Bay Area adults are no longer able to participate in the activities they previously enjoyed. For those who have lost their ability to drive or are at risk if left alone, there are many benefits from the structured and supportive environment of an Adult Day Program and Adult Day Health Program.
Adult Day Programs and Adult Day Health Programs provide care and companionship in a safe, caring, and stimulating environment. They are a resource for those with physical limitations who need additional assistance, for those with limited functioning due to memory loss who need supervision during the day, and they are also a source of respite for the families and caregivers who love them. Participants also receive varying levels of medical supervision by RN’s and Social Workers. Activities are therapeutic and recreational, daily exercise class is provided, and nutritional meals are served.
Families in diverse situations benefit from utilizing Day Health Services
Nancy, 91, a retired teacher, lives with her husband in their Palo Alto home. Their adult children are scattered throughout the United States. Nancy has increasing health needs—she now uses a walker, needs assistance in the bathroom, and she is experiencing vision loss. Being creative and social, Nancy could find an outlet for these needs by participating in an Adult Day Program.
John, age 84, a former attorney, lives with his daughter’s family in Santa Clara. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease several years ago. John’s family are not home during the day; it is no longer safe for John to be left alone for long periods of time, and caregiving costs can be expensive. In an Adult Day Program John would be safe, enjoy peer support, and have supervision during the day.
Bill, age 73, a navy veteran and retired engineer, lives in a subsidized senior housing complex in San Jose. He stays home all day watching television and has become more depressed, anxious, and lonely. By participating in an Adult Day Program Bill could enjoy socialization, daily exercise, and enhanced independence.
Advantages of participating in Adult Day Programs
- Additional stimulation can delay or prevent loved ones from needing to move to a long-term care facility.
- Enhanced peace of mind for caregivers leading to a reduction of stress, anxiety, and guilt.
- Create space for caregiver respite enabling you to care for your loved one at home for longer.
- Daily exercise programs contribute to enhanced mobility and fall reduction.
- Professional staff of RNs, OTs, PTs, and Social Workers can provide rapid interventions which can help stabilize medical conditions resulting in a reduction in Urgent Care and ER visits.
- Create opportunities for peer support and emotional connection leading to decreased loneliness and isolation.
- A well-balanced noontime meal can improve nutrition.
- More daytime stimulation leads to an improvement of overall quality of health and well-being, better sleep at night, and less depression.