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Adult Day-Care Services Blossoming
in Colorado
Laura Landwirth, Rocky Mountain News
September 22, 2004
Child day care went through three distinct phases during the last 10 to 15 years.
Initially, moms were held in lower esteem for using them. Then, it was considered socially acceptable. Today, it is not only OK but considered by many a good idea for peer socialization even if mom or dad stays at home.
Adult day programs have followed a similar pattern, landing today somewhere between the first two phases where the caregiver feels guilty for taking a loved one to a local community-based adult day program and the phase of recognizing the value of the program.
In fact, families and friends, including spouses caring for a loved one or adult children caring for parents, usually are relieved once they begin using adult day services and realize that the services offered at these unique programs are both beneficial to the senior participating, and to the family caregiver providing day-to-day care for a loved one at home.
Adult day programs offer a safe, positive, caring alternative to an institutional setting, such as a nursing home.
Today, 47 state certified adult day programs exist in Colorado, serving thousands of seniors daily.
Typically, these programs are ideal for seniors who live at home, need some care or assistance during the day, but do not require intensive nursing care.
Participants in adult day programs benefit from a number of stimulating activities and socialization opportunities designed to help keep seniors healthy. Most adult day programs offer cooking classes, arts and crafts, games, intergenerational connections, music, outings, nutritious meals, exercise, even personal care such as hair styling. Many offer basic health screenings, helping to catch more serious issues before they turn into a health crisis.
It is estimated more than 1.8 million Americans live in nursing homes, almost a million live in assisted living communities, and another 2 million reside in independent living apartments among peers. Millions more get help at home through home care services.
While much is known about these higher-profile and valuable choices for seniors, today, almost two decades after some of the first adult day service programs formed, most Americans know little about adult day programs.
What is so great about this well-kept secret for seniors?
First, consider the human side. Most older adults in our society want to stay home as long as possible. As a result, many spouses are caring for their loved ones at home. Another group of adult children care for their parents at home.
Often, these adult children caregivers are also working full-time and raising families. In both scenarios, the workload on the caregiver is extensive.
Adult day programs offer caregivers a break during the day, enough time to get work or chores done, while their loved one shares time and activities with peers. This break can recharge family caregivers, helping them avoid burnout, stress, depression and even resentment that often occurs during long periods of caregiving.
Next, consider the economic benefit.
The more intensive the care, the higher the bill. Today, about 75 percent of all nursing home care is paid through Medicaid or Medicare insurance programs.
While nursing homes could use even more funding, today there is simply not enough government funding or public will to direct additional funding to these services.
Adult day programs are relatively inexpensive, averaging about $40 to $50 per day per participant while nursing home care exceeds $200 per day. If an adult day program can keep a senior healthy, active, and help avoid more intensive institutional care, the economic benefits are clear.
Why have adult day programs had such a low profile? In many ways, it is about education and funding.
Some funding sources help defray adult day expenses, such as Medicaid, veterans benefits, or grants, but often fees for adult day programs are paid out of pocket by families. While it is really surprising that more funds aren't made available for this great service, it is not surprising that families have realized the value and are willing to pay for the service. They realize that these valuable programs help keep a senior healthy - mentally and physically - so that more intensive and costly care settings are avoided.
A recent study estimates 1 in 20 Americans will live to be 100. The National Institute on Aging predicts that within a generation, Americans will live to be 110, possibly older.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid predicts the number of elderly beneficiaries will double in 25 years.
These astonishing predictions lead me to believe that we need to continue to explore ways to support seniors as they age, so that they can remain active, healthy and, most important, contributing members of our society.
Adult day programs show great promise in helping us satisfy these goals.
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