At a certain point, many adult children become the primary caregiver for their senior parents. While this style of in-home care has its benefits, it can create a lot of pressure for caregivers, along with not offering seniors a range of activities that they would be able to enjoy in a retirement home.
While most families prefer to have their senior parents live with them rather than move to a senior facility, there are some benefits to allowing your parents to enjoy outside activities. Senior adult daycare centers are a great alternative to assisted living that gives seniors a social outlet and caregivers a bit of a break.
Not everyone that has a senior parent living with them has the ability to be around every day. On the days where your work schedule is full, taking your aging parent to an Adult Day Care center like the beautiful facilities at Longhouse will ensure that they are well taken care of, able to participate in healing activities, and meet with friends. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of Adult Day Care for your senior parent.
Independence
Adult daycare gives seniors the chance to get out of the house and into an enjoyable and safe environment on their own. One of the most important things to many seniors is being able to maintain a sense of independence. When relying on an adult child for most things, it is a relief and privilege to be able to get out on their own. Seniors can enjoy activities, socialization, and be in control of their day when they attend Adult Day Care.
However, if your senior parent is going through mobility issues, it’s important not only to leave them in good hands but also to provide them with mobility aids. They can enjoy their freedom more by getting around with walkers and other assistive devices that’ll keep them safe and confident despite their walking difficulties. If your parent is diagnosed with mobility conditions, don’t hesitate to invest in assistive devices for them to use inside and outside the daycare facility.
To make sure that you’re allowing your parent to be independent, not just with their actions but also their decisions, don’t forget to ask their insights first about being admitted to a daycare facility. If they’re scared, confused, or embarrassed about what adult daycare is, take the time to enlighten them about it.
Reduced Falls
One of the most prevalent injuries in seniors is as a result of a fall. Leaving your senior parent alone during the day can be dangerous and cause caregivers a lot of stress. When your senior parent attends Adult Day Care, you can be assured that they are well looked after all day. Seniors will participate in many healing exercises that help them to work on their balance, core strength, and circulatory system. Adult Day Care centers, administered by staff with relevant state caregiver training certifications, often host fun social events and therapeutic group activities which can help your loved one stay in shape.
Moreover, admitting your parents to daycare providers is much safer than leaving them at home. Daycare facilities have elderly-friendly amenities and spaces that foster a safe, hazard-free environment for aging in place. In the event of a fall, daycare facilities can respond better and quicker than leaving your senior to call for medical help inside your home, or worse, not getting any help at all.
Socialization
Many seniors suffer from anxiety and depression brought on by a lack of socialization. Loneliness is a real problem in the senior community. Adult Day Care is an excellent option if you cannot spend as much time with your aging parents as you would like, or they can’t get out and visit with their friends. Your senior parents can spend their day socializing with new and old friends. Adult Day Care offers a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed in groups to help sharpen the mind and create lasting friendships.
Aside from spending time with their fellow seniors, your senior parent also has the opportunity to socialize with health experts inside the facility. They can learn a thing or two about taking care of their health, but most importantly, share their knowledge and experiences with one another.
Get A Break
Caring for a senior parent can be very stressful and cause problems in the relationship. The strain of the inevitable role reversal can be tough for families to navigate. Adult Day Care provides both parent and adult child a needed break from each other.
If you are caring for a senior parent and are looking for a way to expand their care, consider sending them to an Adult Day Care center where they can enjoy socializing with friends and participating in therapeutic healing activities.
Gold Years shares more insight on what you should know, the benefits and what to look out for when it comes to adult day care.
