Isolation is often a great danger to elders living independently and, as an alternative to moving into a nursing facility or assisted living facility, many elders have been able to remain living at home with the assistance of adult day care programs.
Adult day care programs are community-based and provide a safe, supervised alternative to seniors who are unable to live on their own, but do not yet require 24-hour skilled nursing. Not only are adult day care programs therapeutic for the senior, often postponing or even eliminating the need for nursing home care, but they also provide much-needed respite to family members caring for their loved ones.
Adult day care centers provide a variety of recreational and social activities, allow seniors to enjoy the support of their peers, provide personal care/assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and they provide nutritional, health and social services. Some programs provide more intensive health and therapeutic services for seniors with severe medical problems and may even provide physical or occupational therapy. Transportation, counseling, caregiver support groups and education are other options that are often available depending on the program. It is important when choosing a center that you talk with the staff, with other participants, and with other family members to ensure the particular program is able to meet your needs, or the needs of your loved one.
The cost of adult day care varies depending on the program. The average cost in California for 2015 is $1,495/month (weekdays only); however, there are a number of adult day care services in the Bay Area that charge on a sliding scale based on income. Some programs accept Medi-Cal which means if you or your loved one otherwise meet the income and resource requirements, Medi-Cal may pay for all or a portion of the cost of day care. Other sources of funding available include Federal Older American’s Act funds (available through area agencies on aging), scholarships from Caregiver Resource Centers and public and private grants.
If you are unable to stay alone during the day, or if you are currently caring for someone and struggling to balance your caregiving responsibilities with your employment outside the home, adult day care could be the solution.
Most adult day care centers operate Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Some programs, however, offer services in the evening and on weekends. For more information on adult day care programs in your area, California residents should contact:
California Association for Adult Day Services (CAADS), (916) 552-7400, www.caads.org
California Council of the Alzheimer’s Association, (800) 272-3900, www.alz.org/norcal
Sourcewise Community Resource Solutions, Santa Clara County at (408) 350-3200, http://www.mysourcewise.com
Family Caregiver Alliance/Bay Area Caregiver Resource Center, (415) 434-3388, Toll-Free (800) 445-8106, www.caregiver.org
Seniors Council, (831) 688-0400, http://seniorscouncil.org
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law Geriatric Care Management Team, (408) 356-9200 or (831) 476-2400, info@attorneyoffice.com
ABOUT THE Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law
Roy W. Litherland is an attorney whose practice emphasizes elder law and estate planning. Roy has practiced law in the greater Bay Area for over 35 years and is certified as a legal specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. In addition to his extensive legal background, Roy was also previously licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Although Roy has an extensive background in accounting, he retired his license to practice as a CPA to devote his time and energy entirely to the practice of law, specializing in estate planning, trusts, Medi-Cal planning, and probate. Roy is a noted speaker on living trusts, Medi-Cal Planning, and estate planning. He is a member and designated Fellow of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, an organization that fosters excellence in estate planning.
The Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.
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