Adult Day Care: What's it like for Alzheimer's patients?

I am now volunteering at daycare where I used to take mom . They are wonderful? I don't think I would have made it without them. I have no family and my heart couldn't place her in nursing home. She didn't want to go at first, then loved it. They do socialize and have activities. There are clients at all levels and some do walk around,but we reorientate them, assist with meals, help to bathroom, and just love them. We also do exercises at times and play oldies music---- quiet times where they watch tv. I am in Ga. And this is a nonprofit place-----only 5 dollars per day and they get hot lunch and snack. I would go grocery shopping or maybe just get a nap while mom was there. Our place is called ACTO which is alzheimers caregivers time out. Please try it. You need a break. My mom would pout on weekend because she wanted to go, but closed on weekend. This place was started by church . Maybe you could even suggest one in your community. Best of luck.

Hi Terrie - I am the owner of an Adult Day Care Center in St. Petersburg FL, which I opened because I also have a mother suffering from vascular dementia. I can tell you that most people with Alzheimer's do great in centers like ours. I would say about 70% of our members suffer from a dementia related illness. They have a great time participating in appropriate activities, enjoying each others company and their caregivers get such a needed break. I can tell you that everyone of our family caregivers would tell you to at least try it.

Do it!!!
My husband has alz at first he did not want to go said there was too many old people😊
Now he loves it I told him to go and he can help the old people so they had him do things with them so he felt like he was going to work. When he asked if they were going to pay him I said we will work something out so sometimes I would put some Monopoly money in his wallet and he is happy . The staff is wonderful They give them activities for their level . I honestly think if he did not go there he would have passed away already start with two days a week and go from there

Do it! Yes, it is a difficult transition for most. It gives them an opportunity to socialize and do activities. My mom went for about three years. The caregivers there were very supportive and helpful to me and mom. Some days she was very disoriented and delusional when I picked her up. But that usually subsided rather quickly. Nearly every day she was very happy to see me.

You need to take care of yourself too. Getting respite regularly helps. Plan some things to do that you normally are not able to. Even if it is just a cup of coffee and a nap. You will need to learn to let go a bit. The center will not care for mom as you do. They will have to figure out what will work best for them to try to make mom comfortable and content.

The center will probably have caregiver support sessions. Plan on going to talk and hear about other's experiences.

I, too, vote yes. My husband doesn't always like going but I believe he is better off being with people a couple of days a week than always just hanging out with me. My experience is much like gladimhere's. The time to get things done without him shadowing me is very important.

There is a youtube video called Alive Inside. Its where music is being introduced to Alzheimer and dementia residents. I bought my mother a headset. It's awesome. Have tissue its a tear jerker but in a good way

I think choosing day care depends on the reason you are considering it, if you are looking for socialization and activities to engage your loved ones then you need to be realistic about what, if anything, is offered that may interest them. If your primary need is for caregiver relief then all that really matters is that it is a safe place for them to spend some time outside of the home.

Terrie there is nothing like going and seeing for yourself. Can you arrange for someone to keep an eye on your mother while you go to the centre and sit in on a couple of sessions?

Most of the day programs near me offer a trail day for you and your loved one to visit and spend time seeing if the program is a good fit.

My mom goes to a private daycare that has anywhere from 5 to 8 clients a day. At first she wasn't sure but after just a week she was looking forward to it. She started at 2 days a week, went to 3 and now is there 5 hours a day 5 times a week. She calls it "going to work" and I think she gets bored at home on weekends. It takes almost all of her social security but is far better than a nursing home at this time.