When it comes to determining the right level of care for you or your loved one, there is rarely an easy way to do it. The decision itself is often fraught with feelings and can be complicated by the unique circumstances every family brings to the table when considering questions of this nature. However, knowledge is power, as they say, and LivWell Seniors is happy to help with a high-level introduction to the basics that will leave you feeling prepared to take whatever step is next in the journey ahead.

Adult day care is an ideal choice for people looking for a lower cost intervention that provides assistance with some activities of daily living (ADLs) in an engaging social environment.

What?

A service that provides assistance for people who need help with some ADLs like toileting assistance, feeding assistance, medication management and would also benefit from social engagement with their peers. This service is typically offered during daytime hours and some services provide transportation to and from the program.

Who?

Adult day care is intended for people with memory decline or any condition that makes it difficult to be unattended for long stretches of time.

Consider This Scenario

Betsy, a 50-year-old accountant, is married to Dave, who is 48, and they are proud parents to three teenage children. Dave has early onset Alzheimer’s. The whole family pitches in to help care for him because they want to keep Dave at home for as long as possible; but over time, the stress of the situation begins to wear on them as his memory decline progresses. The family knows they will not be able to care for Dave forever, but if they can find a way to get a little help during this transition, they will be able to keep him at home longer.

Adult day care can provide the level of support this family needs at a reasonable cost, making them an ideal candidate for this service.

Cost

The average daily rate is $80, making it a more affordable alternative to hiring in-home assistance. The cost may be covered by VA benefits, Medicaid, Elderly Waiver or Supportive Living.