Alzheimer Day Care — 7 Things to Know Before You Sign on the Dotted Line

With a smile on his innocent face, my sweetie waved goodbye to me as the Day Care Staff led him away to join a circle of games and activities.

I turned and walked toward what I was thankful was a single-occupant Ladie’s Room. I went inside, locked the door behind me, sat on the closed toilet seat, and sobbed. Not quiet, weepy sobs. Gut-wrenching, heartbreaking sobs that came from the pit of my sickened stomach. How did it come to this, I silently cried to myself.

A bit of a Drama Queen, isn’t she, you may be thinking. Sure, it’s difficult to send your child off into the world, away from the comfort of your motherly embrace for the first time, but get a grip, lady. He’s not the first, nor will he be the last child who leaves home for 4 hours to play with other children in a supervised environment.

But it wasn’t my toddler I was leaving at Day Care, and this was no ordinary Day Care. I was leaving my husband of 40 years, the man with whom I had shared a lifetime of love, laughter, secrets, passion, joy, and sorrow. The man who had been the rock of my life; the rock I had leaned on for comfort, emotional support, and encouragement for all my endeavors. The man whom Alzheimer’s Disease had stolen from me — and from himself.

I was leaving my husband at an Alzheimer Day Care for the benefit of both of us. I needed respite from caring for his physical, mental, and emotional needs 24/7. I was suffering from severe Caregiver Burnout.

He also needed what the Day Care could provide — socialization and group activities appropriate for his level of functioning.

If you are at the point of needing Day Care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, it is VITALLY important that you choose wisely.

You must choose a facility that is Alzheimer Specific. Do not choose a regular senior center that promises — “Oh, sure, we have activities that a person with Alzheimer’s Disease can do”. That is a Red Flag for running in the opposite direction.

These are the 7 basic criteria you should look for in an Alzheimer Day Care:

1. Alzheimer Specific — The Day Care is totally devoted to servicing only Alzheimer’s clients.

2. Staff Training — Each staff member, from the director to the hygiene aides, must be trained in how to deal with Alzheimer’s clients. That includes:

How to speak to them so they understand — in short, non-threatening sentences.

Utilizing the techniques of diversion and distraction to avoid escalating tantrums.

How to respond to repetitious questions.

Be certified in basic First Aid and CPR.

3. Appropriate Activities that focus on social, mental, and emotional needs.

Social Activities — being attentive to individual needs — Every person with Alzheimer’s Disease is different. One may do well in a group of 3 or 4. Others may feel overwhelmed, threatened, and confused by too many social interactions. They may prefer the company of one special friend. The staff needs to be aware of this and accommodate the individual needs of the client.

Mental Stimulation — Games to stimulate mental activity, but not frustrate and confuse the client.

Simple naming games — show an object and ask for its name.

Memory games — ask what their favorite food is; favorite color.

Name a family member.

Name an activity they enjoy doing.

Fine Motor Skills — drawing, coloring, painting, cutting with small scissors

Emotional Needs — allowing them time to rest and nap if needed. Validate feelings of sadness, fear, confusion, and deal with them in a calming manner.

4.Safety:

The facility should be secure with the doors locked at all times, so there is no possibility of clients slipping out unnoticed.

Ask what their evacuation policy is, in case of a severe weather emergency.

Ask if they have a backup generator in case of a power failure.

5.Medical Needs:

A nurse should be on staff in the building at all times.

A medical doctor should be on call at all times.

The staff should be trained in First Aid and CPR.

6.Food:

You should inquire:

What type of meals are served and where do they come from?

Are they prepared on-site or delivered from another facility?

Are they approved by a Registered Dietician?

Are snacks provided?

7.Transportation — Important question to ask:

Do they provide pick up and return services or are you responsible for getting your loved one to and from the facility?

These are the basic requirements that any Alzheimer Day Care facility should adhere to, and questions you should ask, before you consider enrolling your loved one in any Day Care program.

Education is KEY. I emphasize this in every Alzheimer’s article I write. There is no effective prevention, treatment, or cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. You are fooling yourself and wasting valuable time chasing that dream.

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, you need to educate yourself ASAP about the nature and progression of the disease, how to appropriately respond to Alzheimer’s behaviors, and how to provide the best possible quality of life for your loved one and yourself as you navigate through the disease.

***This is the 2nd article in my Alzheimer Series. The first is Alzheimer’s Disease — The Top Five Early Symptoms — It’s Not Always About Memory.

To find Alzheimer Day Care in your area:

Contact the Alzheimer Association that services your area.

Ask for recommendations from other Alzheimer Caregivers.

Ask for recommendations from your loved one’s Alzheimer doctor.

Make unannounced visits to the facility you are considering.

For more information on Alzheimer’s Day Care, click these links:

Choosing an Adult Day Care

Adult Day Care

The Alzheimer’s Association

©Copyright 2022 Joan Gershman