Signs It’s Time for Adult Day Care Services for Your Loved One
- SEO Team
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
As our loved ones age, it can be increasingly difficult to provide the care they need to remain independent. Caregivers face tough decisions while grappling with the emotional burden of providing care. St. Elizabeth strives to ease the burden that caregiving places on families. We offer adult day care services for older adults and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. Our goal is to encourage independence for participants and provide respite for caregivers.
What Is Adult Day Care?
Adult day care is one of the fastest-growing services for older adults. Many older adults attend our day care center to receive supervised, specialized care. St. Elizabeth's highly trained nursing staff works with families to develop a care plan for each individual enrolled in our program.
At St. Elizabeth's, we work with families to determine how often your loved one attends the program. Some adults attend once a week, while others attend daily. We create a warm atmosphere where participants enjoy activities, meals, and socializing with their peers. Other benefits of adult day care for seniors may include:
● Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation.
● Increased social interactions.
● Improved cognitive abilities.
● Lower risk of falling.
● Physically and cognitively stimulating activities.
● Reduced stress for caregivers.
● Respite from caregiving duties.
Signs It's Time to Consider Adult Day Care Services for Your Loved One
If you're a caregiver, it can be difficult to choose the best care plan for your loved one. Juggling caregiving duties and decision-making is an emotional process, but seeking additional support is a positive step.
Adult day care can increase independence while providing the care and support your loved one needs. Here are some signs that it's time to consider adult day care services:
Increased Social Isolation
Social isolation is one of the biggest health risks for older adults. At least 34% of adults ages 50 to 80 reported feeling isolated. Social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by 20%.
If your loved one is losing interest in hobbies they once loved or avoids regular activities, they may be experiencing the effects of social isolation. There are many options available to caregivers and families to reduce feelings of social isolation for their loved ones.
Adult day care can minimize the negative effects of social isolation. The day care center at St. Elizabeth encourages interaction between participants. We conduct structured activities like arts and crafts or musical enrichment, and we occasionally host outings or events.
Safety Concerns
As people get older, it can become harder for them to navigate their environment. There are some safety concerns for older adults, especially those experiencing cognitive impairment. Annually, 25% of people above the age of 65 experience a fall, which can lead to injury. Other common safety concerns for older adults include issues managing medication or fire hazards.
While your loved one's home environment may no longer be safe, adult day care provides a safe place for them to spend the day. We implement safety measures throughout our care center. Our staff provides supervision throughout the day and has emergency response training. As a caregiver, you can have peace of mind that your loved one is safe at the center.
Decline in Personal Care and Hygiene
Changes in your loved one's personal care and hygiene habits could indicate the need for added support. These changes may include irregular bathing or wearing dirty clothes. Personal care habits are likely to be impacted if your loved one has physical limitations or a cognitive impairment.
St. Elizabeth's offers dignified personal care support for older adults. Our staff respectfully assists our participants with their specific needs. When personal care and hygiene needs are met, confidence and self-esteem increase. This also reduces the burden on caregivers by sharing the personal care duties.
Changes in Cognitive Function
Cognitive function regularly declines as people age. People experiencing Alzheimer's or other types of dementia may display more significant signs of cognitive decline. You might consider looking for additional support if your loved one experiences disruptive memory loss or struggles to complete familiar tasks.
Additional support is most effective as an early intervention strategy. Participating in adult day care provides opportunities for older adults to improve their brain health. Older adults who engage with others in a structured environment can slow cognitive decline and improve focus. We offer a range of activities to improve cognition, including:
● Arts and crafts
● Musical entertainment
● Physical therapy or exercise classes
● Games
● Cooking and baking
● Plant and gardening programs
● Science or technology demonstrations
● Holiday parties and outings
Caregiver Stress and Burnout
At St. Elizabeth, we recognize that many caregivers are under immense stress. High levels of stress can lead to burnout. Caregiving burnout signs include exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, and a loss of appetite.
Caring for a loved one is difficult and emotionally challenging. We hope to create an environment where your loved one can thrive, so you can have respite from caregiving duties. Our adult day care services allow caregivers to take breaks throughout the week.
You can alleviate stress and improve your psychological well-being by taking regular breaks from caregiving. At our center, you and your loved one will choose how often they attend day care. This helps you create a care plan that works best for your family.
Taking the Next Step
Adult day care is a fast-growing service that benefits both participants and caregivers. As you continue to provide devoted care to your loved one, it might be time to consider additional support. Increased isolation, cognitive and hygiene decline, safety concerns, and caregiver stress may indicate the need for adult day care services. Seeking assistance shows the strength and care you have for your loved one.
We work closely with families to personalize care for each individual in our program. If you think it's the right time to explore adult day care for your loved one, please connect with us at St. Elizabeth. We have locations across Greater St. Louis. You and your loved one are welcome to visit for a tour or to get more information.
