There are few things a full-time caregiver appreciates more than having viable daycare options available. For both the beleaguered caregiver and their loved one, it provides a welcome relief and diversion from the monotony and never-ending strain of 24-hour caregiving. This is not always a consideration, depending on where one lives and their financial situation; but can be a game changer for caregivers who need to work, are stressed, or bored. It is often one of the first things to be recommended when one joins a support group, as others share available options with their pros and cons.
A couple months after we moved to Michigan, my support group persuaded me to consider a couple of local programs. I was concerned, however, that Kristie would not be willing to be separated from me. It was evident that this was a common concern and after selecting Side-by-Side – Alzheimer’s Respite Adult Day Services, they asked me to attend with Kristie the first time to help her transition and provide me a better idea of what the program offered. It was amazing how they would greet us and welcome Kristie in a way that eliminated our worries about separation anxiety.
It was surprising how many members in my support group would trick their loved one with dementia into believing they had a job and were needed to help at the daycare, rather than them being the one requiring protective watchcare. One of the more innovative daycare programs actually combined the adults in daycare with their small child daycare program, allowing the adults to interact with young children for a short period each day, which created a real bond and the adults with a real sense of being needed. There was no need to badger or coerce those with Alzheimer’s to participate in this program. It was always the highlight of their day.
We only used the Side-by-Side adult daycare for 3 or 4 hours a couple times a week, but it became something both Kristie and I looked forward to. It gave me an opportunity to take care of other business without worrying if Kristie was going to be okay. There was always the question of whether Kristie would be okay remaining for lunch, but we were able to work it out so Side-by-Side could call me if I needed to pick Kristie up early. Somedays I simply sat in their comfortable lobby and worked on correspondence or read a book. It was like recess time for both Kristie and me, making our Alzheimer’s experience more manageable.
Daycare programs are even more valuable for caregivers who need to work, by providing a worry-free environment for their loved-one, while they are freed up to earn much needed income. Again, many working caregivers would convince their loved-one that they had a job at the daycare program and were needed there to help out. It was a delicate dance that helped make something almost impossible, possible.
The local Alzheimer’s Association or Alzheimer’s support groups can provide information about available adult daycare program, costs, and the service they provide.
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