Home Care Options

Adult Day Care

Adult day care is designed to serve adults who are physically impaired or mentally confused and who may require supervision, increased social opportunities, or assistance with personal care or other activities of daily living. It is a comprehensive program that provides a variety of health, social, and related support services in a protective setting during any part of a day, but for less than 24 hours. Some programs offer evening and weekend hours. Fees vary, but are generally inexpensive. To locate an adult day care center near you, call the National Institute on Adult Daycare (202-479-1200).

Respite Care

Respite care services provide temporary relief from the responsibility of providing care to a family member. Respite care involves a well-trained person who spends a few hours during the day supervising the individual with dementia. The caregiver can then spend that time running errands, engaging in physical activity, or just taking time away. A break from caregiving can relax a caregiver and renew patience and the ability to cope. Many caregivers believe that having time away actually makes them better caregivers. Short-term, in- or outpatient respite care services are available in many areas. You can find out more about the services in your area from the Alzheimer's Association or other websites mentioned above.

Meal Services

Good nutrition is especially important for older adults. Two types of nutrition programs are available in most communities regardless of the income level of its residents. Congregate meal programs provide a nutritionally balanced meal for older adults. The meals are available Monday through Friday. Home-delivered meal programs, such as "Meals on Wheels", are available to older persons who are home-bound. Volunteers or staff members of the particular program deliver the meals. For more information on these two programs, visit the websites above or a nutritionist at your local hospital. You can also contact the state representatives of the American Dietetic Association for additional information on the nutritional needs of older adults.

Home Health Care

Home health care services provide health care assistance to older persons in their homes. An agency conducts an assessment of the needs of a particular individual and then works with a physician to develop a plan of care. Home health care services are medically based and include such activities as monitoring blood pressure and assisting with medications. Visit the some of the websites above for more information on local home health care agencies.