CHP operates three adult day care centers in northwest Ohio, but what are they, and what do they provide?
As loved ones age, they often need more help. Family members usually take on the role of caregiver; many times while maintaining a full-time job. But what happens when your loved one needs care while you’re at work?
CHP Adult Day Centers can be a solution. Your loved one can get the care they need during the work day, plus activities, socialization, a meal, and more.
What is an adult day care center?
CHP Adult Day Centers in Archbold, Celina, and Van Wert are daytime care facilities where clients attend for full or partial days before returning home. CHP Adult Day Centers are open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Upon arrival, participants are welcomed into a structured social environment with planned activities throughout the day. This includes engaging group activities, games, and occasional outings.
Adult day centers also offer assistance and support with daily living activities, medication management, and supervision. Transportation, nursing, therapeutic services, and social work are also available as needed.
At the end of the day, or the end of their scheduled stay, participants are picked up, or transported home. This setup is ideal for individuals who have caregivers available in the evenings and weekends or individuals who benefit from daytime structure, social interaction, and supervision.
Who is it for?
Adult day care benefits both participants and their caregivers. Some of these benefits include more free time, a structured environment, cost savings, and peace of mind.
Benefits for clients – One of the biggest challenges older adults face is loneliness. Aging can make it harder to maintain hobbies, leave the house, and stay connected with friends and family. This can lead to isolation, especially for those who live alone or outside of a neighborhood.
Studies suggest that isolation and infrequent social interactions may be correlated to a higher risk of dementia. Socialization may be a key factor in slowing the progression of cognitive decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits for family caregivers – One of the biggest challenges family caregivers face is burnout. Caregiver burnout happens when an informal caregiver takes on too many roles and responsibilities at once, often juggling their own family, a full-time job, and caring for their loved one all at once. This combination can be extremely stressful, and most caregivers are the only option for their loved one in need.
How much does it cost?
The cost of adult day care from CHP ranges from $65 to $105 per day. The cost varies depending on how long your loved one visits the center.
This price is low in comparison to local daily costs for private home care ($162 per day), assisted living ($157 per day), memory care ($170 per day), and nursing home ($299 per day).
You can use this Cost of Care Calculator to get an estimate of how much care costs in your area now and a predicted future cost.
How to pay for it
Options that pay for adult day care include long-term care insurance, Passport, Caregiver Support Program, DODD, and Veterans Administration benefits.
Neither Medicare or traditional, employer-provided health insurance policies cover the cost. These types of insurance exclusively cover medical care, not personal or custodial care.
However, if you need medical care services as an add-on, Medicare or health insurance may cover the medical portion.
Is adult day care right for your loved one?
Adult day services may be the best choice for your loved one if they feel lonely, isolated, or confined by their long-term care needs. It may also be the best option for caregivers who feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and can care for their loved ones at night.
It may also be beneficial if your loved one is experiencing the beginning symptoms of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
An uplifting environment, mentally stimulating activities, socialization, and a nutritious diet can help delay the onset of worse dementia symptoms and improve your loved one’s mood.
Many older adults suffering from cognitive impairments or decline also benefit from supervision. Sometimes, forgetfulness can cause individuals to act irrationally or potentially cause harm to themselves. Things like forgetting to take medication or taking too much of their medication are a serious concern for older adults with memory loss issues.
When is it not the best choice
Adult day care isn’t for everyone. It may not be the best option if your loved one needs excessive help during the day, such as a nursing home level of care. It will not work well for those who have progressed dementia or Alzheimer’s, as those individuals would be better suited for memory care.
Adult day care may also not work well for individuals who don’t have a consistent caregiver or if the socialization or leaving home increases anxiety. Leaving home each day and spending it with others may be stressful for some individuals. These people may benefit more from some form of home care service instead of traveling to and from a facility each day.
Conclusion
CHP Adult Day Centers can monitor your loved one and provide a safety net when family caregivers need a break. It is one of the only relatively low-cost options for long-term care.
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