Adult day program in Aurora for disabled
Adult day programs in Aurora provide a coordinated program of services for seniors and cognitively impaired adults in a community-based group setting. This Activity center for disabled in Aurora, are available to adults who need assistance or supervision in a safe environment outside the home during the day. Usually operating during normal business hours five or six days per week, Adult day programs in Aurora include meals, social or recreational activities, and/or various health-related services such as checking vital signs. Services often follow either a social model that provides socialization and recreational type activities, or a medical model that focuses on skilled assessment, treatment and rehabilitation goals.
Adult day programs are also designed to offer family support. They may conduct caregiver support groups, offer education on topics such as managing difficult or confusing behaviors and safety in the home, as well as provide counseling and help with locating community resources. In addition, adult day programs can provide respite care for caregivers, a vital resource that affords them the opportunity to take a break from caring for loved ones.
While each facility may differ in terms of programs and services offered, the following are those that are generally available:
- Social activities with other participants, as appropriate
- Transportation options, to and from home
- Nutritious meals
- Personal care, such as help with toileting, grooming, eating, and other personal activities of daily living
- Physical activities and mental exercises
- Respite Care
What are adult day programs?
Adult day programs are designed for older adults who need supervision, companionship, and assistance on weekdays.
Seniors who attend adult day programs usually live alone or with their family caregiver.
These programs give older adults a chance to get out of the house and socialize with a larger group of people.
The overall goal is to improve quality of life for seniors through engaging social activities and nutritious meals and snacks.
Adult day programs also give caregivers much-needed breaks and time away from caregiving.
Activities may include:
- Arts and crafts
- Musicand sing-a-longs
- Mental stimulation games
- Stretching or other gentle exercises
- Discussion groups (books, films, current events)
- Holiday and birthday celebrations
- Local outings
Adult day programs help seniors stay at home longer
Adult day programs can help older adults live at home longer and delay the need to move to assisted living.
If you’re caring for an older adult at home and have little help, the stress and fatigue from constant caregiving could cause serious illnesses that could eventually make it impossible for you to continue caring for them.
But having your older adult attend an adult day program could give you the regular respite you need to reduce stress, care for yourself, and stay healthy enough to care for them over the long term.
Adult day programs are also a good option for caregivers who work full-time outside the home.
Instead of being forced to choose between moving your older adult to assisted living or reducing your hours or quitting your job to care for them, a day program could allow you to keep them at home and keep your job.
Seniors who could benefit from adult day programs
In general, older adults who would benefit from adult day programs:
- Can benefit from socialization and assistance a day care center offers
- May be physically or cognitively challenged but don’t need 24-hour supervision
- Are in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Are fairly mobile – independently or with a cane, walker, or wheelchair
- Are not incontinent (in most cases)
These aren’t hard and fast rules, but some general guidelines to help you decide if an adult day program would work for your situation.
Each program is different so if, for example, your older adult is incontinent, just ask if that type of care is included.
Adult day programs include extra benefits for caregivers
Adult day programs can give much-needed relief to family caregivers.
While your older adult is there, you can go to work, run errands, or get some well-deserved time for rest and self care.
Your mind will be at ease because you’ll know that your older adult is safe, well cared for, and enjoying themselves.
Many adult day programs also have additional caregiver support like educational programs, support groups, and one-on-one counseling.
Day programs improve quality of life for seniors and caregivers
When your older adult can’t safely be alone all day on their own or if they feel lonely or isolated, consider enrolling them in an adult day program. Adult day programs can help an older adult remain at home longer – delaying the need to move to assisted living. They also allow seniors to socialize while getting the care they need. Day programs are also a great way for caregivers to get much-needed breaks to reduce stress and prevent burnout so your own health doesn’t significantly decline while caregiving. They can be especially helpful if you work full-time outside of the home and your older adult needs affordable care during the day. We explain what adult day programs are, how they help seniors live at home longer, who would do well in these programs, how they help caregivers, and how much they cost.