Pros and Cons of Adult Day Care Programs

Adult day care can be a great option for seniors from any walk of life. Whether you’re aging in place or looking for a little extra support, adult day care facilities can meet you where you are and attend to a wide variety of needs. While they can be a fantastic choice, adult care programs come with pros and cons. If you’re an older adult hoping to make an informed choice about adult day care, stay right where you are. Here are all the pros and cons of adult day care.

Pros

Adult day care offers a range of benefits for both seniors and their families, fostering a positive impact on the overall well-being of participants. In fact, evidence shows that older adults who attend these centers have a higher quality of life. The same study notes that adult day care centers provide health, social, emotional, and behavioral benefits for participants with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Here are some other pros of adult day care centers.

Community and Social Engagement

We all feel lonely from time to time, but older adults may run the risk of becoming isolated. This can be detrimental not only to one’s physical and emotional health but also their mental health. Studies show that isolation results in poor sleep quality, depression, and even accelerated cognitive decline. Fortunately, adult day care programs provide seniors with opportunities for social interaction and engagement with their peers. It’s a great way for older adults to make new friends and find a social circle of like-minded people.

Structured Daily Routine

In retirement, we can start to feel like we’re floundering. When we’re still working, we have a set schedule to follow. While slowing down and catching our breath is a blessing, it can also lead to a loss of routine—which, in turn, can lead to a loss of purpose. You could always get a part-time job or volunteer. However, there’s another solution—adult day care! The programs typically offer a structured daily routine with various activities, including therapeutic exercises, cognitive stimulation, and recreational pursuits.

Respite for Family Caregivers

Caregiving is a full-time job, and for many, their responsibilities never truly end. Some leave their full-time job and go right into caregiving, leaving little to no time for running errands or attending to their own needs. Caregivers, like their patients, need time to relax and catch their breath. While respite care can offer the support and assistance they need, adult day care can also be a wonderful alternative. It serves as a respite for family caregivers, allowing them a break during the day to attend to personal needs, work, or other commitments.

Professional Monitoring

Some older adults need full-time care or assistance with medication monitoring, ADLs (activities of daily living), or nutrition plans. Home care aides can help with all of the above and more. However, adult day care centers can also provide professional supervision. The programs are staffed by trained professionals who can monitor the health and well-being of participants, administer medications, and provide assistance as needed. Even if an older adult is fully independent, support is there for them if they ever need it.

Potentially Cost-Effective

In an ideal world, older adults could receive the care they need without paying a dime. Sadly, we don’t live in an ideal world. The cost of long-term care can run steep, especially in states like Alaska and Massachusetts. Adult day care can be a more cost-effective option compared to full-time home care, making it financially accessible for some families, particularly in states like Alabama and West Virginia.

Cons

As we’ve established in the pro section, adult day care can be a wonderful long-term care choice for many older adults. Sadly, like with anything else in life, there are downsides to adult day care, too. For some older adults, the cons might outweigh the pros. Here are some cons that you may want to keep in mind if you’re considering finding an adult day care program.

Limited One-on-One Attention

One-on-one attention is important. We all know this from school. Maybe there was a class where your teacher was removed and impersonal, giving little individualized attention. That might’ve been the class where you struggled. One-on-one attention is important, especially when it comes to our care and well-being. While adult day care centers do provide professional supervision, individualized attention may be limited compared to home care, especially if the senior has specific needs that require close monitoring. For seniors with certain health issues, this can be a con, as all their care needs might not be addressed during adult day care.

Fixed Hours of Operation

Most adult day care centers operate during specific hours. Typically, they run 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, and are closed on weekends and major holidays. Seniors may need to adhere to a fixed schedule, potentially limiting flexibility for families with varied work hours.

Transportation Issues

Some older adults may not drive anymore, and that’s perfectly okay! However, this can be a problem when it comes to getting to adult day care. While some facilities offer round-trip transportation, others don’t provide such a service. Seniors may face challenges in getting to and from the adult day care center. Of course, carpooling or taking a bus are valid options, but not every senior may be comfortable using such transportation methods. Worse still, some caregivers may not be able to provide transportation either, leaving seniors with no way to reach the facility.

Adjustment Challenges

When considering something like adult day care, it’s important to remember that no method of senior care is one-size-fits-all. Some seniors may thrive in adult day care. Others may experience an adjustment period when joining a new environment, which could initially cause stress or discomfort. For some, the anxiety and unfamiliarity might make it impossible to acclimate, meaning they’d never get any of the benefits of adult day care.

Preference for Individual Setting

Introverts exist, and this is not a trait that leaves us in adulthood. Some older adults are more of a lone wolf than a social butterfly. They may be perfectly fine and even prefer to be at home with either one caregiver, a home care aide, or themselves. Seniors with introverted tendencies may find the group environment less appealing. They may wish to meet their social quota by spending time with a friend one-on-one or joining online groups and clubs.

How Do I Know If Adult Day Care Is Right for Me?

Deciding whether adult day care is the right fit for you or a loved one depends on a variety of factors. First, consider whether there is a risk of isolation or loneliness. If you have limited social opportunities and feel a need for regular interaction with others, adult day care can offer a structured environment for interpersonal connections. Also, reflect on the need for cognitive stimulation. If you desire activities that stimulate mental acuity, many adult day care programs incorporate cognitive exercises and educational opportunities into their schedules.

Additionally, assess the need for respite for family caregivers. If family members require breaks during the day for work, personal commitments, or self-care, adult day care can be a valuable resource for providing that respite. If there are health or safety concerns, such as the need for professional supervision, medication management, or intensive monitoring, adult day care programs staffed with trained professionals can address these needs.

Consider a trial period. Some adult day care centers may offer a trial period, allowing you to experience the program firsthand before making a long-term commitment. This can provide valuable insights into whether the program meets your needs and preferences.

Finally, consult with healthcare providers to discuss the potential benefits of adult day care. Make sure that the program you choose aligns with your overall health and well-being. The decision to enroll in adult day care is a personal one that depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make the right decision for you—no matter how that looks.

Looking for more?

Looking for more information on adult day care? Then be sure to check out these great articles before you leave!

• How to Convince a Resistant Elder to Attend Adult Day Care
• How to Choose an Adult Day Care Services Provider
• Adult Day Care: Features To Look For & Questions To Ask
• What Services Are Provided By Adult Day Care?
• 10 Common Myths About Adult Day Care Centers
• Adult Day Care vs. Home Care: Which Does My Senior Loved One Need?