What Should Expect From Institutional And Adult Day Care ?

As the baby boomer generation is aging, the prospect of so many seniors living on their own or moving to family member is frightening. However, many of these seniors rather stay alone than move in with family, as they are so fixed in their ways. But, often this situation is not feasible. Also, giving the current economic scenario in the country, living with family may not be the best solution. In such circumstances, seniors have two options open to them. They can opt for institutional care or adult day care.

Understanding what you should expect from institutional and adult day care will help you make a decision more easily for your loved one.

Institutional Care: 
When a senior enters institutional care, the person will stay in the nursing home. Here the staff will take care of all the daily living activities as well as health. So, if the person requires assistance getting in and out of bed, eating, dressing and/or bathing, the nursing home staff will help the person. In addition, the nursing home will have doctor in house, who will take care of the person’s health needs and prescribe medication as required. The nursing staff on duty will ensure that the person takes the necessary medication on time. In addition, the person will also have access to physical therapy, if required. All medical needs and therapies are provided in house in institutional care, with a nurse or health care professional available round the clock.

Usually, when a person hears institutional care, it immediately brings up a negative picture in the mind. However, a nursing home that provides institutional care is an important part of senior housing choices. The person can have a private room or share the room with other patients. The room may have its own private bathroom, or it can be shared. Furthermore, even the atmosphere in the nursing home will vary from one to the other.

It is important to remember that institutional care available through nursing homes is primarily to take care of the healthcare needs of senior patients. However, they can have a homely atmosphere and may even have built-in communities to make residents feel comfortable and at ease.

Nursing homes are primarily suitable for seniors who have progressive diseases, like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

Adult Day Care:
On the other hand, adult day care is for seniors who end up staying at home on their own, who are lonely or cannot manage doing certain things independently. These centers are open from morning until evening and once the day comes to an end, the seniors are dropped off home.

An adult day care is ideal for people who are taking care of their aging loved ones at home and want to have some respite. Such seniors can be sent to the adult day care where they can mingle with other seniors, spend time in leisure activities and also be taken care of. The seniors who come to the day care will be provided nutritious food along with afternoon snack. It is an opportunity for seniors to mingle with others, so that they do not feel lonely and isolated from their age group or peers. The center may organize bingo, arts and craft, watching a movie, discussing current events, celebrating birthdays, musical events and local outings for the seniors who come. Above all, it gives the caregiver a break to rest and recoup.

If you want to send your loved one to an adult day care, then ensure that the ratio of staff to the seniors is not very high. An ideal ratio should be 1 to 6. This allows the staff to keep an eye on the seniors and ensure that they are fine. Also, find out whether the adult day care offers transportation to pick up and drop the seniors. Some centers also give value added services, like checking blood pressure or vision of the seniors.

An adult day care ensures that your loved one will be in a safe and secure environment during the day while having fun doing a variety of activities. It allows the senior to maintain their independence while still living at home.

More Articles :

• Difference Between Assisted Living Or Adult Day Care
• What Should Expect From Institutional And Adult Day Care ?
• When Is Adult Day Care Not Enough For Alzheimers Patients ?

Help Guide: A Guide To Nursing Homes
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/nursing_homes_skilled_nursing_facilities.htm

Help Guide: Adult Day Care Centers
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/adult_day_care_centers.htm