As the number of older adults living in the community grows, the use and demand for long-term care is also increasing. Nevertheless, given the choice, many older adults prefer to stay at home to “age in place.” This preference is reflected in the increasing number of facilities that are providing day programs for adults in their communities.
These programs can be particularly important for supporting the well-being of people living with dementia or cognitive impairment. They can also be just as important for those caring for a loved one with dementia. According to The Gerontologist, adult day programs contribute to positive health-related, social, psychological, and behavioral outcomes for care recipients and caregivers.
What is an Adult Day Program?
Adult day programs or centers enable older adults to socialize and enjoy planned activities in a group setting, while still receiving needed health services. Older adults with cognitive or physical challenges benefit from the company of peers, enriching and stimulating activities, and close attention from compassionate health professionals. Adult day programs also offer family members much-needed respite from caregiving duties and peace of mind knowing that their loved one is in a safe place and being cognitively engaged.
Why Consider an Adult Day Program?
Receiving an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis is frightening. Navigating all the options for care can quickly become even more overwhelming. A day program can be the perfect option for many families by providing their loved one’s support, engagement, and safety during the day, and the comforts of family and home in the evening.
An adult day program may also allow your loved one to remain at home longer by delaying the need to move to a long-term residential care facility. Most adult day programs are designed to encourage your loved one to spend time with others and participate in supervised activities that can improve their daily living skills and their overall sense of well-being. That’s why day program attendees are commonly referred to as “participants.” It’s in the act of participating and being connected to others that adults, especially those with dementia, can feel whole again.
Research studies not only show positive behavioral outcomes for participants but there is also evidence to suggest the types of services provided by adult day programs may help delay cognitive decline for those with dementia. This means that for individuals recently diagnosed with dementia, participation in a day program can be especially beneficial. If you suspect your loved one may have dementia, please consult a specialist immediately and read our article on how to have the Dementia Conversation.
The Benefits of an Adult Day Program
1. Socialization
While day care in the home has many potential benefits, it often lacks the types of opportunities for socialization essential to healthy living. Adult day programs provide a structured environment where participants can remain socially connected and engaged. It is common for many adults with dementia to feel isolated from other people because of the symptoms they are experiencing, leading to anxiety, depression, withdrawal, and decreased self-confidence. (Journal of Aging Research)
Maintaining a healthy social environment can help adults with dementia regain a sense of self-worth, which may improve other aspects of living including better eating and exercise habits and reduced agitation. (Journal of Aging Research) Day programs also typically provide caregivers an opportunity to meet other caregivers facing similar challenges at home, which can be beneficial throughout the caregiving journey.
2. Variety of Activities
Adult day programs provide a variety of activities to meet the diverse interests of their participants. Offering multiple activities at the same time allows participants to choose what interests them the most. Day program staff are there to help those who need encouragement or guidance. Activities can include art class, trivia, music, creative writing, exercise, and more. Oftentimes, activities are structured throughout the day to engage different cognitive domains: executive functioning, language, visual-spatial perception, and memory.
Some day programs also offer virtual activities for individuals who cannot attend in person. This can be a great way to reduce feelings of social isolation while keeping those at home involved, engaged, and active during the day.
3. A Network of Care
While the services provided by day programs vary depending upon the center, common types of services include health and wellness, behavior management, nutrition, personal care, activities, and counseling. (Alzheimer’s Association) These services are typically provided by a team of highly trained professionals who are experienced with dementia and dementia-specific behaviors. With a multidisciplinary team approach, day programs can meet the varied needs of the whole individual: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental.
4. Remain at Home
Most older adults prefer to age safely in place at home. (AARP) Studies have shown that remaining at home often helps those with dementia stay healthier, happier, and live longer. (Johns Hopkins) Day programs can make it possible for adults with dementia to remain at home, contributing to their overall quality of life. At the same time, day programs can help avoid a premature move to an assisted living facility. By participating in a day program, adults with dementia can continue to live in a comfortable and familiar environment while enjoying a structured setting that keeps them active, social, and provides the support they need during the day.
5. Respite for Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming and stressful, with negative consequences for both caregivers and care recipients. Day programs provide family caregivers the benefit of taking a break and regrouping, with peace of mind knowing that their loved one is in a safe place, remaining active, and surrounded by friends and professional support.
For some dementia caregivers, it can be difficult to prioritize self-care. Yet, taking advantage of resources like a day program may be the most loving act a caregiver can take, providing the time and space to reduce the risk of caregiver burnout. This is particularly important for dementia caregivers who are more likely to indicate substantial emotional, financial, and physical difficulties when caring for their loved ones.
How Can I Help My Loved One Adjust to an Adult Day Program?
The most important thing you can do is be patient. It might take some time for your loved one to feel comfortable at an adult day program, especially if your loved one has shown discomfort in group settings in the past or if they have become withdrawn because of their dementia diagnosis.
Give your loved one a chance to get acclimated before deciding if a program is a good fit. This can be very challenging when your loved one is very resistant to attending something new but being patient and persistent is worth the long-term benefits a day program has to offer. As the Alzheimer’s Association notes, while some may resist going to an adult day program at first, they often look forward to participating after several weeks of attending, meeting people, and joining in activities.
The more days a week your loved one can attend a day program, the more they will have an opportunity to benefit, improving quality of life and leading to positive behavioral outcomes. Day program staff can assist you with these types of decisions.