DelMio Explorations

Book Basics | Media Room | Related Reading | Your Page | DelMio in Person | Interactive

Adult Day Services

Many older adults need help with daily living as they get older, but don’t want to move out of their homes. That’s where adult day services come into play.
   
Adult Day Care might be a good solution for you if your loved one:

• Feels socially isolated
• Would like to make new friends
• Feels he or she is getting physically weaker or more forgetful
• Can no longer drive or does not have transportation available
• Would like to participate in fun activities designed to maximize independence.

    Or if the caregiver:
• Has a job and is uncomfortable leaving the loved one home alone
• Finds it difficult to leave a loved one but needs free time during the week
• Feels that his or her loved one would benefit from meeting new friends, becoming physically active or learning new things.

   A well-run adult day service center, such as Summa Health System’s New Horizon, is staffed by healthcare professionals with experience in the special needs of older adults. Such programs might include nursing services, medication administration, nutritious meal and snacks, personal care, massage therapy, exercise, activities, access to transportation services, and much more.
   Adult Day services benefit both the clients and their caregivers through a unique program that balances healthcare needs and activities that are designed to positively benefit our guests. Plus, it’s a much more affordable alternative to a nursing home or even in-home care.
   If  the day center is in a hospital, clients enjoy the benefit of being able to have several services performed if necessary without having to leave the center.  Caregivers will also benefit since the client is already on site.  Lab work, X-ray services and other diagnostic testing can be done during the day, with staff providing escorts to and from testing.
    The staffs often are also trained to handle a variety of healthcare situations for our guests including:

    * Medication administration and monitoring
    * Diabetic monitoring
    * Tube feeding
    * Health monitoring
    * Maintain oxygen therapy
    * Monitor special dietary needs
    * Incontinence care
    * Bathing services
    * Physical therapy, occupational therapy
    * Blood work
    * General X-rays
    * Colostomy care
    * Podiatry care
 
Nutritious Meals and Snacks

   Adult Day Centers often offer  nutritious meals and snacks.  Staff can work with guests to meet their individual needs should they require physician-approved diets.  Nutritious snacks are also provided daily.

Personal Care

   Personal grooming services such as bathing, hairdressing, nail care and shaving are often available. Additional medical services can also be arranged.

Recreational Activities
 
    Adult Day Care centers staffs may be specially trained to handle the needs of older adults, as is the staff at New Horizon.  A staff of professionals works with patients to create a customized plan to maximize their independence. Certain activities may vary from center to center.
                 
For more information about Summa Health System’s New Horizons centers, call 330-971-7142.

Back to Summa Caregiver’s Kit page

 Source: Summahealth.org