Fighting Isolation and Offering Respite

For people providing care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, adult day programs can help extend home caregiving, delaying placement in full-time dementia care.

One in nine people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. It’s estimated 80-percent are receiving care in their homes from informal caregivers, such as a spouse or an adult child. More than half plan to provide care at home for four years or more.

As the disease progresses, it becomes more difficult to care for a loved one at home. Safety issues, isolation, difficulty completing activities of daily living, and more weigh heavily on caregivers. That’s where programs like the James L. West Center for Dementia Care’s Senior Day Program can help.

“The [Senior] Day Program allows people who would love to care for their loved one at home, keep them home with them, but have some time during the day,” said Dr. Cheryl Harding, president and CEO at James L. West.

Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

What is an adult day program?

In Texas, adult day programs are licensed by the state to provide non-residential care for adults who are not safe to be left home alone without supervision.

Programs are available for adults with a number of conditions and needs, but what makes James L. West’s program unique is that it focuses on seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“Our [Senior Day] Program model is stronger because all our participants are having the same experience,” said Heather Macchietto, day program director.

While day programs don’t provide skilled nursing care, they can monitor vitals and administer medications with a doctor’s order. Staff members also provide assistance with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming and toileting.

Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Benefits of specialized senior day programs

The typical participant is in the early to middle stages of dementia and should not be left home alone due to safety or health concerns.

“All our participants are older adults who have dementia, so it’s a cohesive group. Everyone comes in the morning and leaves at the end of the day. Everyone is in the early to middle stages of dementia, so they have similar abilities,” Macchietto said.

The program follows a basic daily schedule that follows the normal rhythms of life with a rotation of cognitive activities, seated activities and movement and physical activities designed to set participants up for success.

Participants are encouraged to participate in the activities they enjoy and to assist the staff with purposeful activities such as setting the table, cleaning up after meals or activities, folding towels, walking, gardening, and more. Participants feel useful and make human connections.

“The goal of the Senior Day Program is to help participants maintain their current abilities for as long as possible,” Macchietto said. “If you are using your abilities, you can hold onto them longer.”

Participating in a day program gives your loved one something to look forward to and a chance to get out of the house and see new people. Participants often experience fewer negative expressions, improved sleep and a reduction in depression and anxiety.

Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Senior day programs benefit the caregiver

When a loved one participates in a senior day program, the caregiver benefits, too.

“The caregiver gets a break to work, rest, do their own social activities or seek support groups,” Macchietto said. “They can be free from worry about their loved one because they are cared for and safe.”

Caregivers can see the positive effects of participation on their loved one, and experience less anxiety and depression themselves. Their loved one, tired out from an active day, sleeps better, which means the caregiver can also get much needed rest.

Senior day programs like James L. West are more cost-effective than in-home care. Day services are private pay, but qualifying participants may be eligible for assistance through Medicaid or VA benefits. Some long-term care insurance policies also reimburse for day services.

Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Enrolling in a day program

Macchietto recommends that families contact the day program and schedule a visit to check out the activities and meet the staff before completing the application process.

The James L. West Senior Day Program is available up to 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every week of the year. Participants can attend every day, or several days a month.

The program recently moved into a newly renovated space at 6050 Harris Parkway, allowing them to offer the program to more participants in the Fort Worth area.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the James L. West Senior Day Program at 817-877-1199 or visit our website.