What is Medical Adult Day Care?
When a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic condition, many families feel as if they have only two options for care: having someone in the family take on the role of full-time caregiver or placing their loved one in a nursing home or institution. However, there is another option between these two difficult extremes: medical adult day care.
Medical adult day care is designed for individuals 18 years of age and older who have chronic physical or cognitive impairments. Those who can benefit from the services offered by medical adult day care centers include: adults with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, Parkinson’s, neuromuscular diseases or developmental disabilities; victims of stroke, heart attack or traumatic brain injury; elderly adults who are homebound and in need of social stimulation; and those who require assistance with daily activities such as eating and bathing. These centers are also well-suited for individuals who are leaving high school or a sheltered workshop environment, as staff can work with school transition teams and other organizations to continue the client’s developmental and educational curriculum.
A highly cost-effective long-term care alternative, medical adult day care centers administer nursing care, meals and therapeutic activities in a safe, structured and homelike environment. Registered nurses, personal care assistants, activities staff and therapists help clients maintain the best possible quality of life while also offering respite for family caregivers.
Much more than an outlet for social engagement, medical adult day care centers also provide health care support services including assistance with daily personal care and hygiene, administration of medications and injections, wound care and regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar. In centers that serve clients with a higher acuity level, licensed nurses can provide tracheostomy care and tube feeding.
For more information about medical adult day care as well as the cost advantages and benefits, use our Center Locator to contact the Active Day medical adult day care center nearest you.
