3 Benefits of Adult Daycare

As a caretaker for an elderly relative, sometimes we forget to keep them entertained when we are doing everything else for them. Caring for the elderly can be a challenging job. It can involve making sure they are properly fed, finding their spectacles, changing their hearing device batteries (discover more here), taking them for regular check-ups, making sure they take their medications on time, the list goes on and on. When it comes to keeping them entertained or busy, I am often forgetful. I am currently one of a few people who is helping to take care of an elderly relative. We are doing all we can to make sure she is getting the best care ever. A few weeks ago we were told that she was not in the best of moods she was either angry or crying. She was really only happy when family came to visit or she was able to get out for a little while. So in trying to figure out ways to help her it was suggested that we enroll her in adult daycare. I know for some families it is a lot easier for them to use a nursing home finder to help put their relative in the best facility if they are not able to do it themselves, but luckily I am able to at this moment in time but it is nice to know that it is there.

Now I have seen adult daycares before but I really thought nothing of them. I mean I always wondered what they did there. I just couldn’t imagine adults needing daycare. But now we had to research some. I of course wanted to find the best one that would help and fit within budget. So I researched and found one that was pretty perfect. I went and did a tour. I never ever thought that I would ever have to do this. Like you tour the place like you would for your child. The adult daycare that I found has memory practice (this is important because the family member has some memory issues), bible study, they do activities with them like coloring, and serve lunch. They also do field trips. They also have an open door policy. The family and I can drop in whenever we want.

Since starting to attend the adult daycare my family member has improved so much. She is almost back to her self. She is back to smiling and laughing. She seems to enjoy going. Well that’s what she tells us I can see a change in her. Knowing she is doing well and is happy now makes me feel at ease. If you find yourself in a similar situation but are skeptical about sending them to adult daycare, you could look for daycares that extend their services to your home. (Click here to read more about them). Adult daycares are really beneficial to senior citizens:

1. Change of scenery: It gives them a much needed change of scenery. Some seniors either stay in their home or at an assisted living place a majority of the time. That can become boring to them sometimes and cause them to act out. It can also make them a little stir crazy. Imagine not being able to go and come as you please like you use to. I promise you would go a little crazy to.
2. Socialization: Senior citizens will get to socialize at adult daycare. They are getting to meet new people and faces that they aren’t often around.
3. Freedom: It gives them a little freedom to get away from their current situation. They to focus on other things rather than wat they are currently dealing with.

Our adult daycare experience has been really good. My family member is happier than she has ever been. I am starting to see glimpses of her old self. She is definitely in higher spirits. So if you are a caregiver I definitely recommend looking into an adult daycare. Whether they are living at home or in an assisted living place I think seniors should have the opportunity to get out and interact with different people and this is a great way to do it.