Just as day care exists for children, it also exists for adults and elder patients. There are two types: medical day care and social day care. However, the process of finding a good facility can be daunting. What are the important questions to ask to make sure you choose the right program? The National Adult Day Services Association recommends that you first decide what specific services you and the patient need. Answering certain key questions will determine which kinds of adult day care centers will work best.
Medical vs. Social
Both medical and social adult day care centers typically provide social and occupational activities, usually offer two daily meals and often include drop-off and pick-up services in the cost. The main difference between the two is that at a medical facility, there will be access to various physicians and therapists, as well as dietitians. Speech or occupational therapy may be included or melded into a social activity.
Ask Until....
Ask until you are satisfied. You will want to know whether the center is indeed medical or social. If you are the caregiver for a patient with Alzheimer's, for instance, this is the first question you should ask. Ask specifically, however, about Alzheimer's. Though it is a medical facility, i may not take patients with Alzheimer's. You must ask. Then find out who owns the agency and whether it is licensed and/or accredited by the state. Ask to see this license. Ask how long it have been in operation and check references as well.
On your own, investigate any lawsuits that may exist. Find out if the facility allows unannounced visitors. They should. You should be able to drop by to assess the care. If they offer activities, find out the ratio of patients to medical workers or recreation leaders.
Tour the facility. Is the staff specially trained in the area of dementia or with stroke victims? Do they offer meals and snacks? Also ask whether transportation is provided in the cost, and don't stop there. Find out whether the facility hires an outside company to handle transportation or if it has a driver who works in-house. This is important because if it is an outside transportation agency, you will need to check that firm out as well and check licenses. You will also want to inquire about the final cost of the program. Be very specific and inquire about additional charges. Also, find out if the facility accepts Medicare or Medicaid and whether there is a limit.
Trust Your Instinct
Ask as many questions as it takes. You will want to ask all of the aforementioned questions and any questions that arise when touring the facility or after the patient has attended the facility for a week or so. Always trust your instinct. We take the time to shop for a car or a house--we should be as clear and focused and more so when shopping for adult day care for the one we love. Know also that this should be a positive experience for you and the adult in day care, not a punishment. So do your homework and keep asking questions.
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