Frequently Asked Questions
Lifesteps staff has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions for Seniors. If you have a question that you would like to have answered, please contact us.
Making the right choice to care for an aging parent is difficult. There are many options to consider before deciding to provide that care full-time yourself. One affordable option may be adult day services. Benefits of a day program include: professional staff with medical monitoring, social opportunities with peers, guided activities, and mental stimulation. Day program costs are reasonable and often subsidized through individual funding by the Area Agency on Aging.
Look for options early. Talk with professionals to learn about the services available in your community. This information will help you determine the best fit for your family.
People are social in all stages of life. In childhood, we learn to play with others and forge friendships. Later, we travel in groups, whether it is a group of friends from school, a bowling league, a card group or church congregation.
The innate desire to be social does not fade over time; however, health or living circumstances may inhibit socialization, causing the older adult to experience loneliness. As we grow older, spouses pass away, children move on, and long-time friends are sometimes faced with illness or new living arrangements. A service like adult day care can provide for that innate need for socialization.
People who attend senior centers are usually able to get themselves to and from the center and participate in activities. Senior centers typically focus more on social activities, wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, and outings while assisting the seniors in maintaining an active, independent lifestyle.
An adult day service typically provides supervised care in a group setting for people who have physical limitations and/or memory impairment. While socialization is important, therapeutic activities and medical care serve as primary services for most day programs. Participants benefit from a structured environment, adapted to individual needs.
Making the best choice of a quality adult day care service for your loved one to attend during the hours they spend away from your care is an important decision. Your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you about local, licensed facilities.
Stop by to see how the staff and clients interact, if the facility is well maintained, and what activities are available. Ask a lot of questions – tour the facility – even ask for a trial visit.
A good program will welcome your questions: Is there a meal provided? How are the participants transported? What are the hours? Are there therapy services and ancillary services such as bathing available? Is there a support group for caregivers? Is there funding available? Are there nurses on staff? What are their qualifications? Is the facility easily accessible? How does the facility receive and handle feedback?
Lifesteps provides a safe, comfortable, caring place where your loved one will enjoy a variety of on-site activities, as well as local outings via our wheelchair accessible bus. On-site activities include, but are not limited to: arts, crafts, gardening, sing-a-longs, games, bingo, trivia, and gentle exercise.
A good place to start is to contact your state or local Area Agency on Aging for guidance. With your parent’s consent, they can provide an assessment and educate the family on available service areas to explore include legal, financial, medical, transportation, housing, and meals.
Become familiar with benefits your parents may have like Medicare and Medicaid, Veteran’s Benefits, and any Long-term Care Insurance. Consider the need for Advanced Directives, a Living Will, and Power of Attorney. Get to know their doctors, diagnoses and medications. Explore local options for alternative living arrangements in the case of failing health.
It seems daunting. However, by networking with professionals and researching options now you can be better informed for the future.
Many people don’t like change. Older adults are no exception and often become anxious and resistant with new routines. As a result, convincing them to attend adult day care can be a challenge.
Adult day care, however, can provide older adults with socialization, meals, medication care and needed respite for caregivers. By presenting Adult Day Care in a way that is inviting such as having lunch with new friends, going to exercise, or going to play cards or craft, your loved one may be more receptive to try the experience.
Talk with their family physician about making a possible recommendation for Adult Day Care. Many older adults respect and listen to their trusted physician.
