By Michele D. Allgood, Executive Director of Gracious Living Adult Day & Healthcare
Hear ye, hear ye, Hear ye…An important message for caregivers and their loved ones alike…I do implore you to take heed and give yourself and your loved one the gift…yes, I daresay the gift of adult day and health care.
Why, you may ask, is adult day to be seen as a gift? Well, let us unwrap the “gift” and peek inside.
Upon arrival (some as early as 6:00am) you will be greeted by welcoming, knowledgeable staff members that are excited to see your loved one and will bid you a warm farewell as you go off to work or to do other various things on your laundry list of life.
Your loved one will either be very jolly about the prospect of drinking a warm beverage while conversing, smiling, exchanging glances and other sorts of merriment OR, if not a morning person may seek to escape into the plush recliners or sofas of the “quiet room” to finish their slumber. Cognitive exercises such as word, picture, or tangible puzzles will begin while music in the background sets the days tone.
As others are arriving in the morning, friendly smiles, and cheery hellos trail through the air. Adult day and health care participants are seated with friends that may be deemed “new or old” friends, but a bond has been made for the day. The participants share very animated stories of their “imagined or real” past or present experiences that they wish to share while waiting for their breakfast.
Breakfast is cooked for their enjoyment and health, steel cut oatmeal with brown sugar, cheerios, power pancakes or waffles, eggs, grits, sausage gravy and biscuits. Whatsoever the breakfast is that morning, more of it is consumed because of the social setting. Plates are cleaned, food consumed as conversations and smiles encourage more bites than when eating alone.
After breakfast, the theme for the day is discussed. Reminiscing may begin as the group expounds on the theme for the day… the county fair, sewing, hopscotch, travel, modes of travel, architecture, or family. An array of thought-provoking themes are listed on the monthly calendars. Each participant holds a beautiful story to share. Everyone is met where they are in time and health. Our nursing staff is weaving in and out of their day providing medications, checking vitals, and ensuring that each person is receiving the care needed during their stay. While some of our participants may not be able to articulate their needs, the adult day and health care nurses are familiar with the participant’s diagnosis, medications, and mental, physical, and emotional baseline.
Adult day and health care participants have scheduled activities like chair or standing exercises, singing, devotions, drum circle, line dancing, corn hole, arts and crafts, painting, and of course, BINGO! Restroom breaks are also scheduled; some with prompting others with assistance. Lunch is then served. Alas, lunch is also carefully planned by the dietician for the best nutritional and enjoyable experience. Whether it is grilled salmon, chicken ‘n dumplings, or lasagna the meals are gobbled up and appreciated. Participants enjoy their five-star dining experience, often wishing to tip, but redirected and thanked for the thought.
Many families visit and wonder why their loved one acts different at home. Peer pressure still exists at 80. Social cues are often taken from each other. The adult day and health care atmosphere often sets the tone for behavior. Reassurance and encouragement come from the staff so that the participant understands that their loved ones will pick them up at the end of the day and that they will be going home.
This is the gift. When the gift is initially unwrapped, there may be a reluctance of both parties; the caregiver may want to hold on and manage all things so that nothing is missed. The respite that a caregiver can find when using adult day and health is life-changing, so we are told! It allows a caregiver to be a better caregiver with the support that they will find. The caregiver has the time and opportunity to pursue work or other interests while their loved one is being doted on, socializing with friends, and learning or re-learning skills. The “loved one” may not understand that the only part to play in the caregiving scenario is to just have fun and surrender to the care that others wish to provide to them.
Open the gift of adult day and health care and give yourself and your loved one a gift that keeps on giving as neither of you are just existing anymore; you both are thriving!
