Why are adult day care centers so important?
Because according to National Family Caregivers Association, 77% of all caregivers go it alone. Their loved ones live with them, or near them. Most caregivers have to work. It’s not an option. With the average caregiver being an 46 year old woman, she can’t afford not to work. She’s technically a boomer, and has a mortgage, oftentimes children, she may be divorced. She has worked hard to create her life–her career. She needs to work for the insurance benefits and continue to save for her own retirement, and yet she finds herself in the midst of caregiving responsibilities.
Caregivers worry.
They worry their mom or dad or grandparent is left alone all day. They worry mom or dad is going to fall, that they won’t be able to get to the phone, or they’ll take off their “button” and will lie helpless for hours. They worry their loved one isn’t eating, or does nothing all day but sit in front of the television or they might wander due to dementia or Alzheimer’s. They worry that their loved one is lonely, bored, not getting enough exercise, isn’t taking their meds….the worry list goes on.
And while they’re worrying about that–they have to juggle their families, doctor appointments, cleaning and cooking, and job duties. It’s a wonder their heads don’t explode. It felt like mine would during the almost three years I cared for my mom full time.
What’s one of the easiest, safest, more natural alternatives to relieve some of this caregiver stress?
Adult day care centers.
Most adult day care centers are community based, usually non-profit, and are conveniently located. It’s a place that’s not run by a corporation, but is almost always run by someone with a big heart, someone who lives within this community and knows the resources needed and available to families.
As an author and speaker, I get to visit and work closely with adult day care centers, such as Peaches-na-Basket in Jacksonville, Florida. Dolores is resident “Mama,” and her heart’s desire is to provide a safe, loving, homey environment for her seniors she calls her “Peaches.”
How very blessed north Jacksonville is to have her!
Who needs adult day care?
Average families–families who work, or need a few hours break. Seniors who need to get out, meet new people, have some place to go, learn new things. Seniors who don’t need to sit around alone all day. Seniors who will be given their meds, provided with a meal and entertainment, who might be able to do a little shopping and be escorted on the community van. Seniors who need a friend.
If you’re looking for a worthy charity this holiday season, why not consider a donation to your community adult day care? What better place to give than to your own community?
~Carol D. O’Dell
Author of Mothering Mother: A Daughter’s Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir
Available on Amazon and in most bookstores
