Adult Day-Care Offers An Alternative to Nursing Homes

Caring for elderly parents or other relatives is one of the ways we show our love and devotion. But it can be a drain in a number of ways. According to a study from the AARP more than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.

Most caregivers spend the time and effort as an alternative to nursing homes. Some do it to keep loved ones close by but others need to for financial reasons. Rising health care costs and shrinking Medicare and Medicaid financing is having an effect on nursing homes. The number of nursing homes has declined by nearly 350 in the past six years. This leaves some caregivers at a crossroads of supporting their other family members while caring for their aged charges.

Enter the adult day-care center. It’s becoming a bridge between caring for aged relatives who don’t need round the clock care and caregivers who must meet their other obligations. The centers are known as Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly or PACE. PACE benefits include all Medicaid and Medicare covered services much like a nursing home including care from doctors and nurses, social activities, physical or occupational therapy and some meals.

Day-care centers also help reduce the isolation felt by many senior citizens as they age. Depression is common among the aged as they begin to feel less a part of society. Long-term depression can have an effect on their health as well so even a few days a week of social contact can be beneficial on top of the additional health care.

Adult day-care centers also offer caregivers the peace of mind if their relative has Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or otherwise reduced faculties. Leaving them home alone may not be an option as fear of accidents or wandering means they need constant monitoring.

Family caregivers have an alternative when caring for older family members with the increase of adult day-care centers. It offers a much-deserved break without guilt, gives them time to meet life’s other demands and may be the only option for additional care. Accutech has worked with many such facilities and equipped them with ResidentGuard, a wander management system that prevents elderly participants from becoming lost and disoriented. It offers additional relief for caregivers that their parents, grandparents or other loved ones will be watched over and safe.