Living with memory concerns can be challenging, and it can also be difficult for people watching their loved ones go through it. Choosing the right care is vital and should be decided by both the individual and their family. An excellent centre can provide meaningful activities, social connection and professional support while giving caregivers important time to rest.
A large part of this decision-making should involve asking questions, which can help you feel more confident in your decision. In this blog, we’re looking into questions to ask before choosing an adult day care service.
What happens at adult day care centres?
Adult day care centres can provide your loved one with the opportunity to continue enjoying their hobbies in a safe and comfortable environment. They will be surrounded by like-minded people, with whom they can build friendships. They may partake in a range of activities including dancing, gentle exercise classes, music, games, gardening and more.
Our activity day centres aim to enable older people to remain independent and continue living and ageing well.
Best questions to ask an adult day care service
What level of care does the service provide?
The first step is to consider what your loved one will actually get out of the service. If they are struggling with memory concerns or dementia, you must assess whether the service can support them. Not only will they need to provide meaningful activities tailored to memory concerns, but staff members should also have knowledge of how to care for someone with dementia. Read our blog on the early signs of memory concerns.
A person’s care needs can change, and a great service will be able to adapt to these. They will recognise that everyone has different needs and make adjustments to ensure everyone is involved. Some people may also require personal care assistance, so you will need to look into whether this is possible if required. You should also ask whether medication management is included.
At Regenerage, we ensure high levels of care; our activities are tailored to support those living with dementia and memory concerns. We support older people to live and age well, helping them build connections and maintain independence. We also provide personal care in one of our centres.
What qualifications and experience do team members have?
Our care staff are qualified to at least level 3 in health and social care; our other staff come from a variety of backgrounds and have transferable skills for working with people with memory concerns. All are dedicated to ensuring the days are packed full of engaging activities to encourage independence and stimulation.
What activities are offered?
Adult day care centres should always provide activities which will stimulate people cognitively. These activities often include music, arts, reminiscence and person-centred therapeutic activities. Additionally, many service users may struggle with mobility, highlighting the benefit of working closely with them to complete gentle exercise and movement.
Many people who suffer from memory decline can also experience loneliness, highlighting one of the huge benefits of day centre care: social interaction. Day centre groups often complete activities as a large group, one-to-one, or in small groups, giving your loved one the chance to talk to different people and make meaningful connections. All activities should be tailored to different abilities and interests. Read our blog on activities that help older people stay engaged and connected.
We offer a range of activities, encourage gentle movement and have a peaceful outdoor space for users to enjoy. Find out more about our community programs in Lancashire.
How are service users kept safe?
When choosing an adult day care service, it’s natural to want reassurance that your loved one will be safe, supported and well cared for throughout the day.
Different centres may have different approaches to safety and security. For example, some centres operate a locked-door policy, while others do not. What is most important is that every service has procedures in place to protect and support attendees.
Staff should be trained to understand the needs of individuals living with dementia or memory concerns and have appropriate measures in place to reduce risks while promoting independence and dignity. This may include monitoring arrivals and departures, supporting people who may become disoriented, and ensuring attendees are always accounted for during activities.
There should also be clear procedures for responding to incidents such as falls, accidents, and medical emergencies. Knowing how staff would respond in these situations can provide valuable peace of mind for both service users and their families.
At Regenerage, the safety and wellbeing of our members is a priority. While safety arrangements may vary between our centres, all have procedures in place to support and safeguard those who attend, ensuring families can feel confident that their loved ones are in a caring and supportive environment.
Each individual should have their own records, including their risk assessment, if needed. Members of the team should be familiar with these to protect the individual and the people around them.
We operate strict security measures to ensure your loved ones are safe and that any risk assessments in place are kept up to date to support all service users.
How are individual needs supported?
Each service user should have their own personalised care plan. This may outline some activities they enjoy and others they do not enjoy or choose not to participate in due to dietary needs, cultural preferences, or religion.
It is the team’s job to ensure they provide a wide range of activities and remain familiar with the ones each service user enjoys most.
Individual needs can also be supported through strong communication with family members.
We listen carefully to our service users and their families to ensure we can offer the best level of care. We are understanding and want to help people to get the most out of life.
What does the average day look like?
Day centres will usually operate between 9 am and 5 pm. During this time, service users will be cared for in a safe environment.
Attending a day centre can be tiring for many users, so it’s crucial to have a good balance between structured activities and relaxation.
Regenerage activity centres operate between 9 am and 4:45 pm. Check out our blog on what happens at a day centre for elderly people to find out more.
How does the service communicate with families?
Families play a significant role in the experience that their loved ones have at day centres. Team members have a duty to provide regular updates to family members, keeping them in the loop so they can continue to make the right decisions for their loved one.
As part of this process, team members should report any health or behavioural changes in service users so they can be escalated if necessary. A great provider will also welcome any feedback from families, allowing them to improve the service where possible.
Our friendly team is always happy to chat with family members, as we know it can be difficult to make decisions about someone else’s care.
What are the costs and what’s included?
Adult day centres typically cost between £50 and £100 per day. It’s important to understand exactly how much the centre costs so that you can plan accordingly. You may also wish to ask if transport, meals and activities are included in the price.
Our adult day care in Lancashire varies in cost and starts at £52- £72 per day, plus an optional £7 per day for a 2-course lunch. This price includes all activities and refreshments throughout the day.
Can I visit before I make a decision?
It’s always a good idea to visit the day centre before you make a decision. This could involve organising a tour, which would allow you to meet the team and see how staff members interact with service users. Depending on timings, you may also be able to chat to other families who use the centre.
Many high-quality providers, such as Regenerage, will also offer you a trial session, giving your loved one firsthand experience.
We encourage loved ones to tour our facilities before deciding to use our services. We are happy to answer any questions you have and help you to make an informed decision.
What’s the environment like at your adult day services?
When choosing a day centre for your loved one, you’ll want to ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment. You’ll need to check the cleanliness and accessibility of the location, as well as the comfort and availability of communal areas. Some centres also have outdoor spaces which can help to boost well-being in older adults.
Ultimately, you want your loved one to be able to access a calm and friendly atmosphere which has been designed for people struggling with memory loss and dementia.
We have spent a lot of time ensuring that our facilities are safe and comfortable for everyone we welcome through our doors. We pride ourselves on our welcoming environment and incredible team.
Warning signs to look out for in adult day health services
It’s great to have a list of positives to refer to when searching for an adult day centre, but it’s so important to recognise any warning signs. These may include:
- Staff appearing rushed or not engaging
- Limited activities available
- Poor communication between staff, service users and families
- A lack of clear policies
- Unanswered questions
- An unwelcoming environment
Quick checklist for family caregivers to refer to
- Staff are experienced in dementia care
- Activities are available to suit your loved one’s interests and take health challenges into consideration
- The environment feels safe and welcoming
- Families receive regular communication
- Costs and services are clearly explained for the adult day program
- Your loved one feels comfortable during a visit or trial session
Taking the time to ask questions and visit centres is really important and often leads to a better experience for everyone involved. We understand the importance of finding somewhere that your loved one feels welcome and safe.
The best adult day care centres not only care for your loved one, but they ensure they have access to meaningful activities, help them remain independent, build confidence and build social connections. In addition to these factors, you should choose somewhere that gives you full peace of mind.
If you want to discover more about our adult day centres, why not schedule a trial session or book a tour? Contact us today to find out more.
