They experienced it as kids. Now they’re trying it again as seniors. Adult day care is becoming a trend in a nation with so many adult working children caring for their parents.
But the trend isn’t so new. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports 3,500 adult day-care centers are operating in the United States. Consider Luther Manor, which provides day-care services for 58 people in Milwaukee, Wis. Business is so good, the center is exploring building another facility.
The niche is enriched with paying customers who opt not to hire a home health care aide. With abuse prevalent, who would know if their mother or father is being mistreated or neglected while alone with one provider all day? In a day-care center, there is staff supervision, group activities and personal interaction with fellow seniors.
More Families Choosing Day Care
The Telegram reports demand for adult day care is growing between 5-15 percent a year, depending on location. The National Adult Day Services Association says these centers care for about 150,000 residents daily. The NCDSA said estimates show facilities care for 400,000 seniors.
Recently, the government has helped. Through its Medicare & Medicaid plans, families now are given a 5 percent discount for day-care costs. In the past, Medicare provided no such benefits. The Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. estimated the national average daily cost for adult day care is $61, compared to an average rate of $133 a day for a home health care aide.
Day care is becoming the preferred option if the senior is ambulatory. In many cases, a registered nurse is on duty at the center, which may offer physical therapy and medication management. Laws vary by state, so some centers may not be licensed. Classes are offered in some centers while cognitive activities for the dementia are provided in others. In Phoenix, The Foundation for Senior Living, a Catholic charity, is providing Nintendo games through wireless communication.
Research before Making a Selection
- Contact the local Agency on Aging
- Visit the center, take a tour and sample the cafeteria food
- Find out the staff-senior ratio
- Is the center licensed? Does it comply with your state’s requirements?
- Does the center provide programs for elderly with dementia?
- Is transportation provided for pick-ups/drop-offs?
- What about discounts for pre-payment? The Telegram reports at Francis House in Baton Rouge, La., the daily cost of $65.45 is reduced to $58.90 for prepayment.
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http://www.star-telegram.com/408/story/470753.html
http://www.yellowbot.com/luther-manor-continuing-care-retirement-community-milwaukee-wi.html
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