Our nurses' side-by-side comparison of home care versus adult day care can help you choose which option is best for your family. If you're on the fence, consider hiring an in-home caregiver in combination with spending a few days a week at a day care center.
Maximize the overall quality of your parent's care by hiring a part-time, in-home caregiver in conjunction with spending a few days a week at a day care center. This way, Mom and Dad can benefit from the social interaction that day care offers while also receiving some special, one-on-one attention at home. Your elderly loved one can benefit from the wellness programs, exercise, and mental stimulation at the day care center while the in-home caregiver more closely monitors changes in their health. It might be sensible for Mom or Dad to attend day care Monday through Friday and schedule in-home caregivers for respite at other times. Hiring in-home caregivers to cover evening, night and weekend shifts unavailable at adult day care makes the best use of both types of care. Take full advantage of employing in-home caregivers to escort Mom or Dad to appointments but set aside days at adult day care for Mom and Dad to enjoy music, art, and other stimulating events. Moreover, the financial demands of eldercare will be lessened by combining adult daycare and in-home care. Supplementing one-on-one, in-home care with less costly adult daycare helps to stretch the eldercare budget while reaping the positive benefits of both care options.
Clare Absher is a Registered Nurse with 42 years of experience. Most of her experience is in home health serving as a caregiver, educator, patient advocate, and liaison between families and community resources. She has also worked in acute care, assisted living, and retirement settings. She is passionate about helping families care for their elderly loved ones at home.
