Adult Day Cares - dumpy? no windows mostly?

elhijo

Hello ALZ Connected,

I'm thinking about ADC and was wondering if they're basically all the same, kind of dumpy looking, either at a low-rent type strip mall or by Autozone (or something like this). While some look nice on the inside, the surrounding neighborhoods these things are in are depressing. I know I wouldn't want to go these places.

What makes my situation unique is that my LO loves, and I mean, absolutely loves windows and seeing the view of a *nice* street from the complex where we live. We have a nice bay view and just a nice view of the street. It has been horrible getting my LO to go to bed over the years because the windows are higher and she cannot see the street, but somehow I've managed.

My concern is that a box-like setting in one of these places would set her over the edge and then call me to come get her, so I'd have to leave work, get in trouble, etc. 

Anyone ever found a really nice one? I'm still Google maping these places with the street view feature, but I'm not holding my breath for something nice.

Thanks for reading

caregiving daughter

Perhaps a poor comparison, however, when I searched and searched for the right daycare for my children many years ago, it turned out to be the people that made the difference, not the physical surroundings.

MN Chickadee

I don't live in a highly urban area, our city only has two adult day care centers. Both are housed within continuing care communities so they are on large complexes that also contain assisted living, memory care etc. The rooms they use for the day programs aren't super fancy but perfectly nice and do have some windows. They have plenty of access to the outdoors as well, both sites have fenced court yards they use and walking paths for those that are able to get out a bit. I can see how it may be different in a large city where things work differently. I would suggest trying to talk to other families who go there or getting word of mouth recommendations. It's really about the staff. A well trained and kind staff will make the experience good for your LO.

mommyandme (m&m)

The one my mom went to was nice enough, had windows and an outdoor area.  They also went on field trips.  I don’t think dumpy is something I’d be interested in either.  The people made a difference too. 

I hope you find one that’s satisfactory for your mom.  You need the break! 

harshedbuzz

It's really hard to say. I think this is one of those situations where it's impossible to generalize.

Where I live, some are hosted by CCRCs or hospitals on-site in some sort of meeting space with garden access if located on a ground floor. Others tend to be in older buildings converted from something else-- perhaps the former municipal building that's been converted to a senior center. 

There's one nearish me that's aimed at working caregivers that was once either a restaurant or medical office building that's nice inside and staffed by amazing folks but surrounded by a parking lot. 

Shanti Gardens - Home (shantigardensadultdaycare.com)

Given the cost of starting such a service and the need to keep the costs as low as possible, you aren't generally going to find free-standing ADCs in high-rent buildings or with posh furnishings. 

HB

dayn2nite2

I think the point of adult day care in relation to this thread has been missed.  It's not meant to provide a place to sit your LO in front of a window to look at the view.

It's to provide companionship, social activity and supervision for a LO with dementia.  That means they are engaged with others in activities that provide an outlet for the LO and decrease boredom from being isolated at home every day.

It also needs to be accessible and affordable to as many people as possible.  Maybe that means it's located in a strip mall for lower rent.  

What matters with adult day care is that it has a welcoming environment.  You can do that in a strip mall.  You pay a lower rent and maybe pay your care staff a couple of dollars more an hour because they're great and they truly love what they do and you want to keep them.  Maybe you put the money you save on rent into art supplies or books they read to your LO.  Lots of ways money can be spent.  I prefer caring staff and fun activities to a view of grass and flowers.

RunningWorried76

Keep looking and find one hopefully that is good. My mom (who is in moderate to late stage) goes to one 3 days a week at a continuing care community about 10 miles away. I did a personal tour before sending her there and took mom there for a test day before fully committing to it. I was worried she wouldn't like it (because she hates the idea that she needs anything like that), but she loves it! I didn't tell her it was adult day care, but at the ADS director's suggestion, I told her it was a local neighborhood senior club. That worked well.

They do group activities and games, have music, lunch, go outside depending on the weather. It's a really nice place. She really enjoys going there. 

We pay out of pocket since mom doesn't qualify for assistance, but it's worth it.

Best of luck to you finding a place. There may be a link here on alz.org to a search tool that could possibly find a place near you (apologies if you're already past that stage).

Cheers.