LICENSED NURSING CARE
TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE
FUN GAMES & ACTIVITIES
DAILY FITNESS CLASSES
ARTS & CRAFTS
LOCAL FIELD TRIPS
VINTAGE SODA FOUNTAIN
MID-CENTURY DINER
DELICIOUS MEALS & SNACKS
UPTOWN CINEMA ROOM
SMART MEDIA CENTER
QUIET NOOKS & CRANNIES
If you are providing care for an elderly parent or loved one, no one has to tell you how challenging it can be. Nothing in life can fully prepare you for it. But you can take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. Far from it. More than half of all American adults are caregivers for their elderly family members at some point, often making great personal sacrifices.
The mental, physical and emotional burden of caregiving has created an enormous challenge for the American healthcare system. In fact, a recent University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 54% of Americans 50 and older are considered to be caregivers because of the help they provide to one or more people 65 and older. And the vast majority of caregivers – some 94% – are not paid for the work they provide.
“There are four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers; those who will be caregivers; and those who will need caregivers.”
Rosalynn Carter,
Former First Lady of the United States
This uphill battle can lead to a cascade of health and financial problems for both caregivers and their families. The global support group Embracing Carers found that up to 70% of family caregivers experience clinically significant symptoms of depression, 57% have trouble sleeping, and 46% report unhealthy weight changes. On top of this, many face financial hardship. More than one-in-five caregivers say their careers have been negatively affected by their caregiving responsibilities.
Help is Out There
The good news is that help is available, and there are steps you can take to lighten the load. Even just a few hours of outside help can be a lifesaver when it comes to relieving caregiver stress.
Adult day care centers like Senior Day KC are affordable alternatives for many family caregivers who need assistance. They provide a fun, safe, and engaging environment at up to half the cost of home care and assisted living. Benefits include medical supervision, physical activity, social stimulation, and emotional connections that help seniors engage with the world around them.
During the day, your loved one can make new friends and connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and emotions. Additionally, adult day care services can give caregivers a sense of independence by allowing them time to accomplish tasks without the stress of providing round-the-clock care.
If you are just learning about adult and senior day care, here are eight surprising benefits:
8 Surprising Benefits of Senior Day Centers
1. Get a Brain Boost
One of the worst things for older adults, especially those suffering from memory loss, is to sit alone all day with nothing to do. Adult day care centers like Senior Day KC challenge participants to stay mentally active. Daily activities and games engage cognitive abilities, and studies have found that regular attendance can help maintain cognitive skills longer, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
2. Express Yourself
The need to create and express ourselves doesn’t stop just because we get older. Communicating through music and art is beneficial for people of all ages. A lot of folks find that they can express challenging emotions through creative means even if words fail them. Drawing, crafts, music, and other artistic classes offered by adult day programs can be highly beneficial.
3. Relief for the Whole Family
It’s all too easy for caregivers to forget to take care of themselves while they’re overwhelmed with caregiving. Senior Day centers can help provide critically important relief the whole family, not just the participant. Knowing that your loved one is safe, sound and moving around with us during the day can lift a huge weight off of your shoulders.
4. Live at Home Longer
The ultimate goal of adult day care is to help loved ones continue living at home as long as possible. Recent studies have found that adult day centers can help families delay or prevent moving their loved ones into nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
Not to mention nobody wants to loose their independence and move into a nursing home. A recent survey called “Aging in Place in America” found that 89% of seniors feared getting placed in a nursing home more than they feared death itself.
Additionally, senior day care is up to half the cost of assisted living or home health care. Plus senior day qualifies for Medicaid Waivers, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance.
5. Fewer Hospital Visits
Research in the medical journal The Gerontologist found that adult day care attendance can lead to fewer emergency room visits and hospital stays. Adult day health centers that provide preventive and primary health care can help prevent serious and costly illnesses through health monitoring, personal care, medication management, nutritious meals, and social activities.
6. Better Sleep Patterns
Researchers say older adults who attend senior day centers tend to sleep better at night than those who don’t. Senior Day participants fall asleep more easily, sleep longer, and get higher quality sleep. Studies show that sufficient sleep can boost brain function, improve mood, and increase immune response.
The reason is simple. Staying busy during the day helps participants sleep better at night, which gives caregivers a chance to get a really good night’s sleep.
7. Stay Self-Sufficient
Older adults value their independence just like everyone else. Attending an adult day care gives them a chance to get out of the house and control their schedules and activities, maintaining a sense of independence. It also provides a safe environment to socialize with peers.
8. Better Quality of Life
Adult day care is not only cheaper, but it may also be better for overall well-being. Scientific research shows that older adults who attend adult day programs enjoy a better quality of life than those who remain isolated at home. A 2017 review in The Gerontologist found that senior day center care provided significant mental, physical, and emotional health benefits for both caregivers and participants, particularly boosting the well-being and self-esteem of older women.
Remember To Take Care of Yourself!
While caring for an elderly loved one can be overwhelming, it’s essential to find time to take care of yourself. Every caregiver needs time to rest and recharge. Exercise, eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep to be at your best for those who rely on you. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself; it benefits everyone in the long run. Senior Day centers offer more benefits than in-home care alone, providing critical mental, physical, emotional, and social support.
We believe that the journey together is everything, but that no one should have to go it alone.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
At Senior Day KC, we believe in the power of conversation. Set a consultation call in the calendar, or reach out to us directly by texting or calling 660-GOOD DAY (660-466-3329). You can also email [email protected] to find out more.
0 Comments