Issue 1, January, 2008
FEATURE ARTICLE - MEDICARE PART B BUY IN: UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
HEALTHLINE - MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES
LEGALLINE - RENDELL ADMINISTRATION EMBRACES "AGING IN PLACE"
CAREGIVER HELPLINE - ADULT DAY HEALTH PROGRAMS HELP THE CAREGIVER

ADULT DAY HEALTH PROGRAMS HELP THE CAREGIVER

Adult day services can provide a meaningful respite for the caregiver of an older adult as well as an opportunity for the older person to have an enhanced quality of life. Adult day health services are an important option along the continuum of care and can enable your loved one to remain at home longer than you might have originally considered. They are community based programs for those who have physical and/or memory impairment and are in need of a supervised, protective setting during the daytime. Adult day health services provide a structured, comprehensive program with attention to the participant's health, social/recreational and daily living activities. A congregate lunch is served and many centers provide breakfast and snacks. Family caregivers can work during the day or take care of other responsibilities knowing their loved one is in a safe, stimulating environment. Adult day health programs are licensed by the Department of Aging of the State of Pennsylvania. Although fees vary, total or partial funding for qualified applicants may be obtained through the local area office on aging, the veterans' administration, and even some long term care insurance policies. Generally private rates are between $55-$65 per day.

Activities and hours of operation vary as well, with some centers having extended evening, or weekend hours. Generally, an individual can attend for a whole or half day, and for as many days in the week as you choose and the center has available openings. It's important that you visit the center; many will invite you to have lunch to evaluate how you and your loved one feel about the program and whether it is a good match. The staff should be able to work with you and your loved one to assist with any admustment concerns. Remember, your loved one will be returning home at the end of the day at the center; adult day health is not a 24 hour program.

In choosing a center, evaluate the staff/client interactions, and the overall environment. Are clients engaged in activities and do they appear to enjoy them? Are there different activities for clients with different levels of care needs? Is the program appropriately licensed and staffed? Are safety measures taken?

For those participants who adjust to the program at the center, the experience can be a welcome addition to their life and their caretaker's. However, some people are not able to adjust, even with the support of family and staff, or their care needs cannot be adequately managed at the center. If this is the case, then other options on the care continuum may need to be considered, such as home health aides, assisted living, or nursing facility care.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. Copyright © 2009 by Levandowski & Darpino, LLC. All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this time for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.