The Benefits of Day Programs for Adults with Dementia

 

Dementia affects every individual differently, therefore every family who has a loved one with dementia is affected differently. General health, personality, and social situations are all factors in determining the impact of dementia. Along with memory loss, another detrimental symptom is difficulty managing practical tasks that used to be familiar. This means that people with dementia might inevitably need a considerable amount of care from family members.

Even the most dedicated caregivers need a moment to focus on their own mental and physical health, run errands, and participate in their own daily activities – this freedom is what an Adult Day Program can provide. The program provides the stimulation and socialization that are important to the cognitive health of someone with dementia.

What is an Adult Day Program?

elderly-woman-flowers

It can be challenging caring for someone with dementia at home 24/7. Adult day programs are a great way to give yourself a bit of a break. Programs like the one at Catholic Care Center can provide them with a safe environment to participate in activities with others and can be customized to your needs and the needs of your loved one.

Our adult day program offers:

  • Half or full-day accommodation
  • Wellness focused activities
  • Meals provided
  • Rest areas
  • Assisted shower
  • Nursing team 24/7
  • Overnight respite options based on availability

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://catholiccarecenter.org/wpcms/adult-day-care-program/” button_text=” Learn More About Our Adult Day Program” _builder_version=”4.10.6″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ header_3_font_size=”20px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Benefits of an Adult Day Program

Adult day programs offer a welcoming environment, a variety of services, and trained staff to make caregivers feel at ease. Here are some of the services that benefit your loved one when you enroll them in an adult day program.

1. Counseling

Counseling is normally offered to both the person with dementia and their families. Experienced professionals can give you advice on the everyday challenges associated with dementia and real-life struggles you may be dealing with. They will also offer practical solutions for difficulties you may be having and extra resources for support at home.

2. Health Services

You will need to make sure the facility is aware of any underlying medical conditions and if they need to administer medication. The center you choose should have a knowledgeable and caring staff that is well equipped to give insulin shots, give daily prescriptions to help improve functionality, etc. A lot of programs also offer things like minor check-ups, blood pressure checks, and eye exams. The team at the care center should also be able to recognize and respond to more dangerous medical situations.

3. Nutrition

Many centers provide nutritional advice and their staff is fully trained to accommodate dietary requirements of seniors with certain health conditions. Part of any great adult day program is ensuring that your loved one receives delicious and nutritious meals while they are at the center.

4. Personal Care

Adults with dementia often need help in the bathroom or suffer from incontinence. Professionals at the center should be trained to deal with these issues discreetly and with kindness. They’ll also be able to help out with things like bathing and dressing, if needed.

5. Activities

Fun and creative activities that help promote physical and mental health are offered daily as part of the program. Seniors can take part in a range of stimulating activities such as arts and craft classes, music classes, fitness activities, and groups that play games.

Long-term Benefits

Adult day programs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide seniors who are not ready to move into assisted living and prefer to live at home meaningful social interaction and cognitive stimulation in a safe place.

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, eating nutritious meals, and getting regular physical activity can slow the progression of dementia and reduce cognitive decline.

The most important thing is that Dementia Daycare gives you flexibility. You get to choose how long to enroll someone for and which days you would like for them to be at the center. You will receive a tailored care program from qualified professionals along with the support you need.

Caregiver’s Peace of Mind

The relief from the stress of trying to juggle responsibilities is often the biggest benefit for caregivers. Caring for a loved one with dementia, while dealing with work and other obligations is tough. If you choose to enroll your loved one in our adult day program, you’ll be able to leave them in trusted hands while you take some time for yourself. Caring for someone with dementia is an act of love, but it’s important to remember to focus on your own wellbeing from time to time.

Why Choose Catholic Care Center?

The nationally recognized adult day program at our organization offers many activities and services to seniors with dementia. The expertly crafted wellness program ranges from intergenerational enrichment programs to daily outings and trips. The center has nurses who are qualified to work with dementia patients and understand the specific care that these patients require.

Supporting Your Loved One with Dementia During the Pandemic

 

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be challenging in today’s environment. The most important thing is to limit their risk of exposure to the virus. As a caregiver, you will have to decide how much time you spend around others and in public and understand that people living with dementia will likely not comprehend the importance of not touching communal items and to avoid touching their face, and may be challenged to wear a mask.

If you choose to shelter-in-place, it’s important to keep your loved one engaged. Spending time visiting with family members and friends by phone or video call is a great activity.  Based on the level of functioning of the dementia patient, they may not be able to use the phone appropriately and it might be difficult to remember to keep the receiver near their ear. They also might not connect with the voice to the person they are talking with.

Connecting Through Video Calls

Video calls are a great way to connect with those suffering from dementia during the pandemic. Being able to see and hear from someone is very helpful in maintaining the connection during the call.

You may find that your loved one with dementia is focused on “finding” the person they are video calling after the call is over and you will have the determine if this is easily redirected or if it is causing unnecessary anxiety. If you do notice that the call may be causing stress or anxiety, you may want to limit those calls.

Hand Washing and Sanitation

If you choose to venture out into public, consider helping encourage your loved one to wash their hands by offering them scented soaps. You can also help by administering hand sanitizer through a handshake or hand massage.

Maintaining Structure and Wellbeing During Unpredictable Times

Whatever you choose to do during this unprecedented time, remember that even a structured day should have some flexibility for someone with dementia. Try to focus the structure around the person’s natural rhythm and daily habits, and remember to give yourself a break. No matter what you are doing, you are doing great because you are trying so, give yourself some grace.

Focus on trying to fulfill the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of the person you are caring for and don’t stress about trying to have a perfect day – focus on having a good day.

Try starting out with a daily reflection or moment of prayer. These are trying times and the hidden benefit of this worldwide crisis is that we have more time with our families than ever before, make the most of it!

At Catholic Care Center, we provide not-for-profit safe retirement living and healthcare to seniors and retired individuals where they could learn, live, grow, and receive the care they need regardless of religious affiliation or condition.

Our goal is to help you find the best option for the senior in your life. We are currently taking new residents. Reach out to us by calling (316) 771-6550 to schedule a virtual tour.

8 Great Gifts for Parkinson’s Patients

 

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and now is a great time to let the loved one or friend in your life that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s know that you care.

The effects of Parkinson’s can cause issues with dexterity, mobility, sensory receptors, and more. It can be challenging to buy a gift for those with the condition because of how it affects the body’s functionality but we have put together a list of gifts for Parkinson’s patients that will help you choose something great!

1. Audiobooks/Audible Subscription

If you have a lover of literature on your list, then this gift is perfect! Books are obviously a great way to pass the time but those with moderate to severe tremors may have trouble holding the book steady so they can focus on the page.

Audiobooks can also provide comfort to those who are suffering from anxiety. Hearing a relaxing voice reading the story can soothe and provide a sense of companionship.

You can buy individual audiobooks and send them as gifts or purchase a subscription from Audible for around $15 per month for those who are truly avid readers.

2. Smart Speaker

A smart speaker is a gift that pretty much anyone will enjoy but those with Parkinson’s especially benefit from being able to control the device using only their voice.

With the disease often comes muscle stiffness and poor balance meaning that getting up to do things like pause a book or song can be difficult and painful. Smart speakers can also set timers, read the latest news headlines, list upcoming appointments, and so much more making them very useful for those with Parkinson’s.

3. Cleaning Service

If your loved one or friend is still living relatively independently, we highly suggest this gift option. Cleaning can often be painful and quickly cause fatigue for those with Parkinson’s so gifting them cleaning services will be greatly appreciated.

If you don’t want to pay for a cleaning service, offer to go in and clean for them once a month. They will likely appreciate both the gesture and the company!

4. Heated Blanket

People who have Parkinson’s are normally more sensitive to cold temperatures so a heated blanket is a great gift choice. We are big fans of this gift idea because it can benefit almost anyone with the disease no matter what their interests are. We highly suggest choosing a blanket like this one that has automatic shutoff and heat adjustment options.

5. Streaming Subscription

Although many people have streaming services, a lot of others (especially seniors) do not and if your loved one or friend is a movie buff or huge TV fan, we cannot suggest this gift enough.

Whether it is Netflix (suggested for movie fans), Hulu (suggested for TV hounds), or something more specialized, they will appreciate the entertainment.

TV and movies can offer a relaxing distraction when pain flares up and they will love being able to watch whatever they want, whenever they want!

6. Make Them Their Favorite Meal and Deliver it to Their Door

This gift idea is both cost-effective and extremely thoughtful. Parkinson’s can bring about loss of appetite and having a favorite dish that is easy to heat up on hand can make eating more enjoyable – even when it is one of the last things you want to do.

Whip up their favorite meal (make a few days worth of food if you can) and deliver it to their door with a handwritten note telling you how much you care about them. This gesture could be exactly the remedy needed to turn a tough day around.

Note: If your loved one is currently in an assisted care center and you are unsure if they are allowed to receive homemade food deliveries, call and ask what the policy is. You can always send a care package with their favorite pre-packaged snacks instead!

7. Electric Back or Foot Massager

Although a professional massage is a fantastic gift idea for when things are normal, we need to make sure we are taking steps to protect everyone’s health so an at-home back or foot massager is the next best thing.

Those with Parkinson’s will appreciate the muscle relaxation that these devices offer and can hit those aches and pains on-demand in the safety of their own home. You can even find massagers that have built-in heating elements for an even better experience.

There are manual back and foot massagers on the market but we suggest choosing an electric option as they will be much easier to use. Choose something like a massage chair pad or this hands-free foot massage machine.

8. Make a Donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation

Donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation in their name can be combined with any of the gifts above but is a meaningful gift all on its own. It only takes about 5 minutes and your money goes towards critical Parkinson’s research for new treatments and improved care for those living with the condition. Click here to go to the Tribute Donation page of their website.

At Catholic Care Center, we provide not-for-profit retirement living and healthcare to seniors and retired individuals where they could learn, live, grow, and receive the care they need regardless of religious affiliation or condition because we are truly all of God’s children.

Our goal is to help you find the best option for the senior in your life. Reach out to us by calling (316) 771-6550 or click below to learn more about us and our mission.