Hi Carol & Nina,
Glad to see this blog on ADS. I am a registered nurse who started a medical adult day services center 19 years ago. People said I was ahead of my time too. I am also the current past president of the Maryland Association of Adult Day Services (MAADS - maads.org) for which I am still very involved.
I sold my facility 2 years ago. I was so frustrated with people who clearly needed help but would not (sometimes could not) accept it. Those who could not accept it were mostly those who had waited too long to access services - especially for those with dementia/memory loss. It is sooooooooo important to enroll them early in these programs while they still have recall. Otherwise every day is like the first day and they have a very difficult time adjusting. In the early stages of memory loss it helps to let the participant think they are volunteering at the center. As their memory impairment worsens they are already use to going to the center every day.
I wish we could help the general public realize the value of these facilities. Most facilities struggle financially and many close their doors due to lack of funding. It is such a wonderful alternative to nursing home care and assisted living for those who can stay in their homes with a family member. Medical adult day services is a well kept secret I wish we could spread around the world!
Hi Beth,
Thanks so much for your comment! I actually did a special report for a newspaper on the subject and have written about several times it in my newspaper column. I do try to spread the word as much as possible, as I agree with you. Too many people don't know about it or the value it has.
Take care,
Carol
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Carol, I thank you for the post. It is so important that the elders should have things like this. Adult Day care center! My father-in-law is antisocial and he does not like strangers. I asked if he wanted to go to a group to see new ladies and he said no. He wants people to come to serve him. The home care people tried to mention it but he said no and just wanted to stay away from any group of people and observe them. He is too proud. So we are thinking to bring it to him, i.e., to a nice nursing home that is not exactly skilled care and it will provide the activities and new people/peers in the home. This is not adult day care center, but it is close.
However, in general, I think it is important for adult day care to be realized for more elders today.
Take care,
Nina
I'm not sure my elders would have gone for adult day care, either, but many people love it. Everyone is different. I think your idea is just right for your situation.
Blessings, Nina -
Carol