Five Adult Day Center Activities

by ElderCarelink

Care recipients need time away, too. In any relationship, spending too much time exclusively with the other person starts to cause tension on both parties, and the caregiver/care recipient relationship is certainly no exception. This is where adult day care facilities come in. They allow your parent or loved one to socialize, stay involved in a community and get a much-needed break from you.

 All the while you're out living your own life for the day, doing what you want to do, whether that's work, work around the house, shopping or a good book with your name on it. For those hours you're apart, you won't have to worry about your parent or loved one falling down, getting enough water, trying to find you, getting meals and medication or anything else.

 Adult day center activities

 These centers have a lot going on, and it's all geared towards making everyone's day (and life) better, not just killing time.

 Typical activities include:

 1. Memory games. Learning new things and getting quizzed both help with memory.

 2. Exercise. Studies show that exercise helps with brain function. Adult day care centers offer everything from pleasant strolls to chair-based yoga.

 3. Social activities. Group projects, bingo, crafting, dances -- anything that brings everyone together is good for the spirit.

 4. Targeted therapy. The more health-oriented centers offer a wide variety of therapy, including speech and physical, which is one more thing to take off your plate.

 5. Fun. Trips around town, movies, live music and other activities meant simply to brighten up the day are a staple of these facilities.

 If your parent of loved one isn't ready for full-fledged nursing care, adult day care centers are the way to go. Be sure you do your research. Talk to doctors for recommendations and visit the centers with a list a questions in your hand first.