HOW
TO GET SOMEONE
TO ATTEND ADULT DAY
HEALTH CARE
Senior
adult day care centers are under-used resources in our community.
These small centers offer meaningful activities and care to frail
seniors, and those with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia.
The cost is usually modest, compared with in-home care.
But
care partners may find it hard to get their family members to attend.
Here
are some tips:
Convince
yourself first. Call for a tour, to see
what might interest your family member and to discuss any obstacles you
anticipate (e.g., there are too many "old" people). Staff members are expert at including reluctant people to
attend and in managing newcomer anxiety.
Give
a convincing reason.
Some people attend because they see the center as their "Club"
or as "class." Some go
for a particular activity, or to be with a new friend.
Some attend to help others, as a volunteer would.
Ask the doctor and others to back you up.
Look
for a hook.
Schedule
your family member's visit when there is an activity (e.g., music, crafts,
exercise, or discussion) that they might enjoy and try out on the spot.
Take
one step at a time.
The
objective of the first, short visit is to simply try to have the person agree to
return for a day. Don't push too
hard; use a "try-it-and-see" approach.
Be
firm.
Initially,
the person may not enjoy going, but complain to you of being unhappy.
Don't argue. Next day, just assume that you will return.
Try saying, "They are expecting you today," or "I want you
to go for a little while," or "Let's talk about that later."
Get
the right person to take him or her, at least the first few times.
Choose someone who can usually get your family member to do things.
Start
with two half days per week.
Two
visits a week is a minimum for someone with memory loss.
Short days are less taxing for newcomers. When the routine becomes comfortable, you can add days.
It usually takes a person a few weeks to adjust.
Reinforce
the positive.
Support
any positive experiences that your family member has or that you or staff
noticed.
Try
again later.
Sometimes
a person frets so much that it becomes counterproductive.
Some find that trying again after a few months' break is more successful.
ADULT
DAY HEALTH CARE
CENTERS IN PLANNING DISTRICT I:
FELLOWSHIP HOUSE ADULT DAY
HEALTH CARE CENTER - GATE CITY, VA
OXBOW
ADULT DAY
HEALTH CARE CENTER - ST. PAUL, VA
CALL
1-800-252-6362 FOR INFORMATION
ON THESE TWO FACILITIES.
