Celebrate National Adult Day Services Week, September 13th – 19th, 2015
“Adult Day Services: Living Well Into the Future”
What a great theme to highlight the importance of wellness – both as a goal of care as well as a benefit for programs offered by adult day centers across the county.
In 1983, former President Ronald Regan proclaimed that the 3rd full week be set aside in September as National Adult Day Services Week to increase national awareness and accessibility of adult day services (ADS).
Although many communities throughout the country still are underserved by adult day programs, the number of centers continues to rise each year. Findings from the 2010 MetLife Survey reflected 4,600 centers, which was a 35% increase since 2002. And, in 2014, the National Adult Day Services Association reported 5,685 centers.
Many things have changed since 1983, and so has the world of adult day services. Now, instead of going to “day care”, adults can attend “social and wellness” centers. At the time, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), whose programs are now part of Texas Health and Human Services, announced a name change from “adult day care” to “Day Activity and Health Services”, effective September 1st.
The shift of focus of day programs and services to one of social and wellness has increased recognition of the important role of these centers in long-term ADS care. Other key findings from the MetLife Survey showed that ADS are:
• Leaders in community-based care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia
• Essential source of support for families and professionals
• Able to provide comprehensive health care with professional nurses on staff and staffing ratios
• Manage chronic diseases with a focused emphasis on prevention and health maintenance.
ADS provide a care option that supports individuals as well as their caregivers and helps them all live well.
About the Author
Pam Kovacs Johnson is the founder of Friends Place Adult Day Services. With more than 30 years of experience in the field of aging, Pam has extensive knowledge and training in all areas of Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Learn more about Friends Place, or follow us on Facebook.
