A monthly article brought to you by Senior Services Memory Support Programs

Families caring for aging loved ones struggle to balance work, family responsibilities, and caregiving. Adult day programs provide a respite opportunity for family caregivers and a fun, engaging, safe place for seniors to spend some time during the day.

Often family caregivers don’t think about an adult day program until they are exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed. Many times the longer they wait to help, the more dependent their loved one becomes on them, making a new transition more difficult.

It can actually be more beneficial to have a loved one begin coming to a program while he or she can fully participate and enjoy the activities and company of others. Then as their abilities and needs change, they are familiar with the setting and feel loved and cared for.

Even when seniors may seem “just fine” alone during the day, they may feel lonely or unsure about what to do with themselves. They may not be able to do things they used to do, like cooking, so they just eat something cold or they skip eating all together.

Here are ten signs that it might be the right time to consider an adult day program:

• Dad’s health or physical problems are keeping him from enjoying life.
• Mom’s becoming so isolated. She doesn’t get out much and rarely spends time with friends anymore.
• My wife is forgetting things more and more often.
• My husband needs extra help to regain abilities he lost because of a stroke.
• Dad doesn’t seem to be eating right or taking his medication properly.
• Mom used to be so particular about her appearance. Now she just doesn’t care anymore.
• My husband spends his days watching TV and napping. Then he doesn’t sleep well at night.
• We promised we’d always take care of each other, but it’s getting harder and harder to keep that promise.
• I worry about Mother when I’m at work and she’s home alone.
• Helping is wearing me out and I don’t know where to turn for help.

If you found this article to be relatable, contact our team at Senior Services and Seasons. Senior Services offers an array of memory support programs including Seasons Adult Day Health Services. If you or someone you know is experiencing increasing changes with their memory and could benefit from additional services, please contact Amy Sheridan, Family Support and Activity Manager at 989-633-3764.
Please continue to check out the section, Our Mind Matters, next month.