Get the Best Family Activities
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What do you need to know when you begin researching adult day programs? The following guide from the National Adult Day Services Association will help you in your search:
1. Determine your needs What specific services are important to the older person? • A safe, secure environment? • Social activities? • Assistance with eating, walking, toileting, medicines? • Therapies — physical, speech, occupational? • Health monitoring — blood pressures, food or liquid intake, weight? • Nutritious meals & snacks? • Special diet? • Exercise? • Mental stimulation? • Personal care — bathing, shampoos, shaving? What do you, the caregiver, need? • Occasional free time? • Coverage while working? • Transportation? • Support? • Assistance in planning for care? 2. Find adult day centers For names and phone numbers of local adult day centers, try: • Department of Senior Programs and Services, 9 South First Avenue, 10th Floor, Mt. Vernon (914) 813-6442, www.Westchestergov.com • Yellow Pages ("Adult Day Care”; "Aging Services”; "Senior Citizens' Services”, etc.) • A senior center • Your family doctor 3. Call first Call adult day centers and ask for a flier or brochure, eligibility criteria, monthly activity calendar, monthly menu and application procedures. 4. Know what to ask Look for the following information in the material received: • Owner or sponsoring agency • Years of operation • License or certification • Hours and days of operation • Transportation options • Hourly or daily charge, other charges, financial assistance • Conditions accepted, such as memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence • Staff credentials • Number of staff per participant • Activities provided: Is there variety and choice of individual and group activities? • Menu appeal and balance 5. Pay a visit: After reviewing materials, make an appointment to visit two or more centers that might meet your needs. The following list will help you decide which is right for you. SITE VISIT CHECKLIST Answer YES or No to the following: —Did you feel welcomed? —Did someone spend time finding out what you want and need? —Did someone clearly explain what services and activities the center provides? —Did someone present information about staffing, program procedures, costs and what is expected of caregivers? —Was the facility clean, pleasant and free of odor? —Were the building and the rooms wheelchair accessible? —Was there sturdy, comfortable furniture? —Loungers for relaxation? Chairs with arms? —Is there a quiet place for conferences? —Is there a place to isolate sick people? —Did you see cheerful faces on staff and participants? —Do volunteers help? —Are participants involved in planning activities or making other suggestions? 6. Check references Talk to two or three people who have used the center. 7. Try it out Select a day center. Try it for three to five days. It sometimes takes several visits for new participants to feel comfortable in a new setting and with a new routine. If you have questions or are experiencing problems, ask for a conference. Staff may have suggestions to make the transition easier both at home and at the center. 8. Take care of yourself Relax. Your loved one is being well cared for. Remember, your loved one may not be able to recall all the activities enjoyed during the day. The staff will gladly provide the missing details. The day center staff is there for you, too. Ask for: • Tips to make caregiving easier • Additional resources available in the community
DONNA SANGI-VALLARIO is director of Club Wartburg Adult Day Services, part of The Wartburg Adult Care Community in Mt. Vernon. Founded in 1866, The Wartburg Adult Care Community provides a full range of residential options and health-related services for older area residents and their families. For more information, call (914) 699-0800, or visit www.thewartburg.org.
