Selecting Adult Day Care Near You

Adult day care centers provide a safe environment and planned programs that include a variety of health, social and support services in a protective setting during daytime hours. Depending on the needs of (probably) your parent or spouse and the needs of their caregiver (probably you) there are unlimited options that need to be considered and might be overwhelming.

If you’re looking for adult day care for yourself, sorting through the options can also be a challenge.  It seems more advantageous for individuals to begin attending an adult day center while they can fully enjoy the activities and company of others. As their abilities and needs change, they are then familiar with the setting and feel comforted and cared for.

In all cases, it is important for the senior, caregiver and senior center staff to understand the reasons adult day care might be appropriate. Usually, adult day care is best for people with some temporary or permanent cognitive or physical disabilities. Sometimes senior just want some interaction with others. In fact some of our members drive themselves to and from our center.

For more information on the benefits of adult day care services, click here.

When to Select Adult Day Care Services

We suggest that use of an adult day center begin when a prospective enrollee needs supervision and and any one of the following:

• can no longer structure his or her own daily activities;
• finds it difficult to initiate and focus on an activity, e.g. reading, conversation, watching television;
• is isolated and lonely or desires peer interaction;
• cannot be safely left alone;
• lives with someone who works and is away from the home most of the day;
• is anxious or depressed and needs social and emotional support;
• feels uncertain and anxious when left alone;
• requires attention that leads to your own anxiety, frustration, compromised health and/or depression.

Are adult day services right for you and your loved one? Click here

How to Choose Adult Day Care Services

Below are some suggestions for choosing the right adult day center for you or your loved one.

Step 1 – Determine your needs

What specific services are important to the person using the center?

• A safe, secure environment?
• Social activities?
• Assistance with daily living skills – walking, eating, taking medications, bathing?
• Therapies – physical, speech, occupational, nursing?
• Health monitoring – blood pressure, blood sugar levels, food/liquid intake, weight?
• Nutritious meals and/or snacks? Special diet?
• Exercise programming?
• Specialized care such as dementia care or TBI care?

Who we care for.

What do you, the caregiver need?

• Occasional free time?
• Coverage while working?
• Transportation for your loved one?
• Assistance in planning care?
• The location of the senior center is is extremely important.

Click here for more information on how adult day care services help you and your loved one.

Step 2 – Make an appointment to visit the center(s)

Call Mike Cooper at Naperville Senior Center at (630) 857-3017 to schedule a visit. We always have a free trial available and we think you’ll appreciate Mike’s resourcefullness and passion for helping seniors. Ask about activities for seniors.

You might want to download and assess our Online Intake Packet. You can ask him questions about it before, during or after your visit.

Step 3 – Know what to ask during your visit

• Print out the National Adult Day Services Association’s site visit checklist beforehand.
• Costs are certainly an issue for most families. You may find that senior day care is more affordable than other options.

Step 4 – Check references

• Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are considering. Ask for their opinion. That’s a good reason to visit several adult day care facilities near you – ask the member you meet for their opinion of the care they are receiving. Ask about the staff.

Step 5 – Try it out

• Select a day center and give it a try for a few days. There are no term commitments.
• Meet the staff, see the facilities, ask about the daily or weekly schedule, find out what’s for lunch!
• Keep in mind that it often takes several visits for a new participant to feel comfortable in a new setting and routine. Staff may have suggestions for making the transition easier both at home and at the center. More: How to Convince a Parent to Attend Adult Day Care.

Step 6 – Take care of yourself

Just like they say on airplanes; that you should place the mask over your face before putting them on your child, it is important for you to be rested, confident and satisfied that you are doing the right thing. Relax knowing your loved one is being well cared for. Always feel free to check in with the center and ask questions. We are here to help you!

Additional Information

6 Things You Need to Know About Naperville Senior Center

6 More Things You Need to Know About Naperville Senior Center

About Naperville Senior Center

Call Mike Cooper at Naperville Senior Center at (630) 857-3017 to schedule your free visit.