How Do You Pick an Adult Day Care Model for Someone With Dementia?
How Do You Pick an Adult Day Care Model for Someone With Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases marked by memory loss and reduced cognitive function. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, followed by frontotemporal, Lewy Body, and vascular dementias. All forms of dementia are progressive, meaning they get worse over time.
As a person with dementia progresses through the stages of the disease, they require more help performing daily activities. They will also need more medical care, such as monitoring health conditions and help with taking medications. Every minute of their day is important. The primary goal of adult day care should be to decrease stress, increase joy, and provide them with a better quality of life.
What Is the Best Care Environment for Someone With Dementia?
The best care environment for someone with dementia is designed specifically to meet their needs. Memory loss is at the heart of every symptom associated with dementia. Therefore, the surroundings and each activity should be developed to help evoke cherished memories and share those that bring them happiness.
People in any stage of dementia can benefit from having choices. They should be able to spend time with friends and participate in group activities. However, if they need some time alone, that should be available to them as well.
Town Square’s adult day services take place in a unique environment with a classic 1950s design and specific themed areas called storefronts. The idea is to create a setting that is familiar to persons living with dementia. Everyone retains memories from their formative years, including most people with dementia. Spending time in a place that helps evoke their most cherished memories helps reduce their stress and brings them more joy.
Where Is the Best Place for a Person With Dementia to Spend Time?
The majority of seniors say they want to age in place. So it isn’t surprising that most people want to stay in the home they have lived in for most of their adult lives. However, it isn’t always a possibility when a person has dementia. At some point, it becomes unsafe for them to live alone. They need the help of a caregiver to keep them safe, appropriately supported, and engaged.
Adult children must often make the difficult decision about putting their parents in an assisted living facility or a nursing home. They feel guilty when they can’t provide the care their parents need to stay at home. All seniors lose mobility and can benefit from care on a part-time basis. Those with dementia need a greater level of care and interaction.
Adult day care is a great place for a person with dementia to spend time. It provides them with memory care and socialization that usually isn’t available at home. It also allows the family members or caregivers to work, run errands, or get a break. At the end of the day, they can return to their home. Their experiences in adult day care will have them looking forward to their next visit.
What Type of Care Do People Living with Dementia Need?
Those living with dementia need specialized care. They need qualified staff with experience taking care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. In addition, families who rely on adult day care to provide for their loved ones need to know that their family member is getting the care and attention they need. That includes everything from taking their medication to socializing to participating in activities that give them a sense of accomplishment.
Town Square uses thoughtful engagement and reminiscence activities to stimulate seniors and give them a sense of fulfillment. We develop activities suited to many interests, appropriate for all physical and cognitive ability levels, and built to give seniors meaning and joy. The best care for seniors with dementia doesn’t just help them pass the time. It makes a lasting difference in the individual’s life.
What Makes Town Square Different?
The team at Town Square genuinely cares about our members. We are excited and motivated by the fact that we make a difference in their lives. We offer something unique in dementia care with a new level of engagement and compassion. If you are interested in learning more, contact us today.
