Depression in seniors is becoming a real problem for family caregivers. Do you have a family member who can no longer be left alone during the day due to chronic depression and loneliness?
Sadly, this is an all-to-common occurrance these days. It can be even more challenging if your loved one also suffers from Alzheimers, Parkinsons, a physical disability, or hearing and visual impairment.
Caregivers frequently risk their own health as the demands of providing daily care, supervision and support take their inevitable toll on their energy level and well-being.
Respite for the caregiver!
As our population ages, more families find themselves in the situation described above. This is where the concept of Senior Day Care Centers comes into play. They offer an alternative to:
- continuing to rely on a family member to provide care – may eventually lead to exhaustion of the caregiver
- hiring a professional caregiver to come into your home – expensive
- placing the loved one in an assisted living facility – expensive
- moving the loved one to a nursing home – expensive
None of the above options are all that attractive long-term – due to caregiver exhaustion and the high costs involved.
These services, also known as Adult Day Care Centers, provide many benefits for elderly family members and caregivers.
Some of the activities that help alieviate loneliness and depression are:
- Arts and Crafts classes designed to develop new interests
- Puzzels and games that are fun and challenging
- Discussion groups
- Moderate levels of physical activity such as Yoga and Thai Chi
- Group outings into the community
These services are generally much less expensive than other options, such as bringing a day care provider into the home, or sending a loved one into a nursing home.