Don’t know which adult day programs are best for your loved ones? Most of the time, it is necessary to think of their wishes first.

Many people tend to choose a care center based on what they think is right for their parents.

There are, however, some qualities you should look for together. Here are a few to serve as a starting point in your search.

1. The Center Should Feel Welcoming

Sounds easy enough, right? Think of what your loved one enjoys or has enjoyed doing at home.

Do they enjoy gardening and reading? Pick a cozier spot with these accommodations.

Is your parent home alone all the time and would prefer some social interaction? Look for adult day programs in which the members all seem busy!

Not everyone enjoys being active in their old age. But it is certainly important to do some physical activity. It prevents bedsores and pains associated with being inactive.

These activities could be as simple as taking a walk through the garden. Or having a stretch with their friends in the center.

Care programs with recreation centers and gyms would be your best bet.

2. Consider the Food Options

Balanced nutrition is important for seniors. If you want to keep them healthy and happy at the same time, look for the following:

• Check out the dining room. Is it clean and conducive to good meal with friends? Meals are an important social event in the lives of our members.
• Consider options. Our loved ones enjoy certain foods and may be open to new tastes.   Can the center offer choices?
• Health care requirements. Many members of a center require special diets that low sodium, diabetic, renal, or pureed.  Some need assistance with eating.  What specific needs does your loved one require?

3. Adult Day Programs Should Handle Medical Matters Properly

This is probably the reason most of you would want to choose adult day programs for your parents.

Your loved one can no longer take care of themselves properly:

• They forget to take their medicine.
• They find it hard to do basic tasks, such as cooking food or going to the bathroom.
• Their health condition requires supervision and assistance during the day.
• They are at increased risk of falling when walking and transferring due to frailty, balance challenges, or diseases.

All of these should be cause for concern. Make sure the care center has proper nursing programs to supervise such circumstances.

Understand what the center’s emergency procedures are.

4. Is Your Parent Suffering from Alzheimer’s?

Your parent might suffer from frequent memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, there are adult day programs which offer memory care.

This means your loved one will be well taken care of in a safe and secure environment.  The activities and programs are specifically designed around the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

They will cope with symptoms of depression better. They will live the rest of their life being happy for what brought them here in the first place.

5.  Is the Center “Real”?

Some assisted living and personal care homes advertise that they provide adult day care.  The service in these environments can be more marketing ploy than service.  Some facilities in non-traditional environments do a great job at providing adult day.  Be careful and ask good probing questions.

Don’t know where to start your search? Contact Skylark Senior Care today and let your parent enjoy freedom with the care they need!