GETTING STARTED Introducing the Idea • Site Visit Checklist • It's a Family Affair • Hallmarks of Quality • How to Get Someone to Attend Adult Daycare (pdf format) Day-Time Care for Frail Seniors Providers In Your Community An Affordable Choice

Introducing the Idea

If you're feeling nervous about broaching the topic, consider the following.

The professional staff at Adult Day Services programs work wonders helping visitors to feel at home and getting them involved.

Attending an adult day program isn't only about getting help for your family member. It also gives them a chance to be helpful to others, to contribute to and take part in a community of people.

Anyone facing declining physical health is likely to feel as if they are running out of options. That's natural, and to be expected. Your job is to help your family see that an adult day program helps create options, by protecting their health, slowing physical and mental declines, and preventing or postponing nursing home placement. It can be difficult, even painful, to discuss these things. Far worse, however, are the consequences of refusing to discuss these things until you really have run out of options, including the option of an adult day program.

You might ask your family member, "don't you know anyone who goes to an adult day program? Let's go pay them a visit. I'm sure they'd enjoy the company." Emphasize that this is just something to try out, and only for a few hours a week. They'll be home in time for dinner!

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