Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, particularly when trying to balance caregiving with other responsibilities. You may find yourself juggling work, family commitments, household chores, and more, all while striving to create a safe and enriching environment for your loved one. Fortunately, adult day programs can offer a valuable solution that benefits everyone involved.
In this blog, we explain what a memory support day program is, services offered, and its benefits.
What is a Memory Support Day Program?
Memory support day programs like The Club at Abe’s Garden, offer a secure and supportive setting for individuals in the early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias a place to enjoy meeting new people and participating in fun and meaningful activities.
Typically, adult day programs are open during regular business hours each weekday to accommodate family caregivers who work, need time to rest, or handle other responsibilities.
What Services You Can Expect
Rooted in our research-based, best-in-class I’m Still Here® philosophy, our program provides meaningful engagement, socialization, movement, and support. Here are examples of activities you can expect at The Club at Abe’s Garden:
- Person-directed engagement
- Music therapy
- Pet therapy
- Art and creativity exploration
- Brain games
- And so much more!
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Top Benefits of Memory Support Day Programs
From peace of mind to invaluable support, adult day programs offer benefits for both the aging adult and the family caregivers. Older adults enrolled in an adult day program often experience enhanced quality of life and overall well-being in the following ways:
- Purposeful engagement that boost confidence and self-worth
- Professional support from specially trained team members
- Cognitive programming for lifelong learning and maintaining abilities
- Social engagement to prevent isolation and improve mood and mental health
- Structured routine to reduce anxiety and confusion
Family caregivers may find reduced stress and higher energy levels in their day-to-day lives. Consider the other benefits adult day programs offer families:
- Expert guidance on dementia care, behaviors, and challenges
- Reliable respite care to manage other tasks
- Valuable connections with other families who share similar experiences
- More time to allow loved ones to age in place at home rather than moving to a memory care community
- Peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe and comfortable
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How to Find the Right Memory Support Day Program for You
Allow extra time to find the right adult day program for you and your loved one. Make sure to tour the center more than once, at different times of day to get a sense of culture, engagement, and overall feel of the program. Write down your questions ahead of time so you can gather all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Consider the following aspects when weighing your adult day program options:
- Staff training and experience in dementia care
- Staff-to-participant ratios and turnover rates
- Quality and variety of planned activities
- Cost and payment options
- Hours of operation and flexibility
- Location and transportation services
Some adult day programs specialize in working with older adults experiencing cognitive decline while others may work with all seniors regardless of cognition status. Evaluate their offerings to help determine which program will best meet your loved one’s needs.
Adult day programs can be a key part of the continuum of care for adults living with dementia. These programs enhance the quality of life for aging adults and provide essential support for family caregivers.