Friendly nurse supporting a sick patient in a wheelchair during meeting

Adult medical daycare can be great for working families that need a break from caring for a loved one. But with so many options, it can be difficult to tell which one is most beneficial for both you and the senior in your care. Knowing what to expect on your first day can help ease anxieties.

Offering adult medical day care services to families and caregivers who need them most, Belleville Senior Services is here to assist. Here, we discuss what to expect from your first visit, the advantages of adult medical daycare, and how families and caregivers can overcome certain challenges.

What to Expect

Before the first day, seniors and family members typically meet with our caregivers. Here, we can discuss your medical needs, dietary restrictions, medical history, as well as preferences like favorite activities. From there, we can suggest different amenities and activities that fit the needs of both seniors and caregivers. Seniors and family members can also use this time to get to know staff and residents, develop close relationships, and socialize with others.

When a senior enrolls in our adult medical day care program, they and their caregivers come up with a schedule of when they can be dropped off at the facility. This means seniors can choose to visit once a week, every other day, five days a week, or even opt for daily services. Senior care centers are responsible for providing nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. We can accommodate a wide variety of special dietary needs, ensuring each resident gets the proper nutrition. We can also assist with personal care needed throughout the day, such as using the bathroom or grooming.

Gaining Support

Enrolling in adult medical daycare gives caregivers breaks and the necessary support needed when helping their loved ones. This is especially beneficial for family members who work or need some time throughout the week to attend to their families or run errands. In addition, it can be difficult for seniors to socialize, especially if they have a condition that leaves them relying on others for daily care. By choosing adult medical day care, older adults can have the opportunity to socialize with others and do fun activities, such as:

  • Exercise classes
  • Puzzles
  • Arts and crafts
  • Learning new skills

Our adult medical day care services allow seniors to meet other people and spend time talking to friends outside of the home, and can also help with feelings of isolation, depression, and loneliness. Adult medical daycare can also switch up everyday activities and keep seniors engaged.

Another benefit of adult medical daycare is that it can give structure to a senior’s daily life. It can be difficult for caregivers and family members to plan different activities for their loved ones. By enrolling in adult medical day care services, caregivers won’t have to spend as much time planning activities to keep seniors stimulated. Adult medical daycare can also give seniors something to look forward to each week, which can improve their overall quality of life.

Overcoming Challenges

Choosing to start adult medical daycare can be stressful for some caregivers and family members. This is especially true if a senior has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. For those diagnosed with the disease, it can be beneficial to begin daycare services gradually.

After completing a care consultation, seniors can participate in activities or lunch once or twice a week. This allows them to grow used to the space and the people, and it also gives caregivers the chance to see how their loved one reacts to the change. If everything goes well, caregivers can increase their visits per week to eventually spend full days at the facility.

Some seniors may be resistant to adult medical daycare at first. While some seniors can grow used to the idea (and possibly even look forward to it), others may not. In this case, it’s perfectly acceptable to stop enrolling in these services and explore other options.

Senior Care Services at Our Facility

When it comes to providing care for seniors, Belleville Senior Services is here for families in Belleville, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas. We have extensive knowledge and experience in caring for adults with a variety of medical conditions, and families can rely on us to deliver personalized, compassionate care to seniors. To learn more about adult medical day care in Belleville, NJ, and the other services we offer, contact us today.