Both adult day care and adult day healthcare can give caregivers an occasional or a regular respite from caretaking. In the case of caretakers who work outside jobs, it delays permanent long-term care. 

Adult day healthcare provides medical services in addition to activities. Adults with physical and mental disabilities are the primary targets of the program, and the care is intended to help patients relearn the ability to care for themselves. Nursing home care, therapeutic activities, meals, and transportation are provided in a safe environment. The activities provided can help improve the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the patient. 

Caregivers receive peace of mind that their loved one is having a good experience while they can take a break. 

You may be eligible for a home or community-based Medicaid waiver. An experienced elder Care attorney can advise you on this and the other issues involved in integrating adult day care and adult day healthcare into your or a loved one’s long-term care plan. 

Dementia 

Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction caused by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other illnesses such as brain tumors and strokes. Poor nutrition can also be a cause. The frequency of dementia increases with age, with one-third of those over ninety suffering from it. About one-half of the cases are caused by Alzheimer’s. 

Signs of dementia include forgetfulness (especially short-term memory loss), lack of concentration (including problems with familiar activities), poor judgment, problems communicating (including substituting nonsensical words and phrases), and personality changes (including  mood swings, disruptive behavior, and loss of initiative). 

To help prevent dementia, stimulate your mind regularly by learning new things, doing puzzles, and staying mentally and physically active. 

Diagnosing dementia is important because it allows proper treatment and care. The latest pharmaceuticals can help slow the progression of the illness, and sometimes the underlying cause can be alleviated. At the very least, it allows both patient and family to acknowledge what is happening. 

We can help you plan for the care of a loved one with dementia, as well as plan for your own long-term care. Although planning for the worst can be challenging, remember that it is much easier to do so when you are healthy. 

Health Rehabilitation Therapies 

Suffering a stroke, heart attack, fall, surgery, or other major physical problem, more times than not, results in intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. This is to help the patient relearn mental, physical, and other skills. The goal is to help the patient regain independence.

When evaluating a rehabilitation program, consider the following: 

What services do you need, and does the program provide all or most of them? Your doctor will be able to help you with this analysis, but certain factors like convenience to home, transportation, and schedule will need to be considered individually.

Is the program suitable to your needs? Too demanding? Not demanding enough? Remember that you can change programs as you progress.