Senior Day Services include day care and day healthcare programs for elderly persons who require supervision - as well as the more familiar Senior Centers for those who don’t require close supervision. The minimum age requirement is usually 55 or 60.
Adult Day Care
The US Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Aging describes this service as follows:
“Adult day care programs offer a lower cost alternative to institutionalization for newly or chronically disabled adults who cannot stay alone during the day, but who do not need 24-hour inpatient care. Designed to promote maximum independence, participants usually attend on a scheduled basis. Services may include nursing, counseling, social services, restorative services, medical and health care monitoring, exercise sessions, field trips, recreational activities, physical, occupational and speech therapy, medication administration, well-balanced meals, and transportation to and from the facility. Adult day care can provide the respite family members require to sustain healthy relationships while caring for their elderly loved one at home.”
Senior Day Care Centers typically provide many of the above services, but restrict participation to those over 55 or 60.
Senior or Adult Day Healthcare Programs
These programs are similar to those described above. However, use of the word ”Healthcare” indicates a staff with more medical training. They are often housed within a hospital or neighborhood health clinic. Many programs limit participation to elderly suffering from a particular disease or condition (i.e. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke victims, etc.).
Respite Care
This refers to any care provider who relieves the family member normally providing care for a disabled loved one. Respite Care can take place within the home, a Day Care Center, a Nursing Home, or other institution. Providers can include other family members and friends, a nurse or home health aid, or the staff of a center or institution. The key feature is that the regular caregiver gets a relaxing break or is able to work on respite days.
Senior Centers
Most of us are aware of the services offered by these Centers. The main difference is that they are open to any person over 60 who is reasonably independent and doesn’t require close supervision. The Centers are very popular. They can be found in nearly every town across the country. Local government agencies, churches, and other service organizations often provide funding.
Given the aging of the U.S. population, the need for these Senior Day Services will continue to grow.
