More older adults are choosing to live in their homes as they age rather than move into nursing homes. This trend has both positive and negative effects.
Remaining in the familiar setting of one’s home can foster a sense of comfort, safety, and independence. Despite these positive factors, aging in one’s home, especially alone, can be detrimental to one’s overall health. Humans are social beings and most of us need regular social interaction.
Twenty-four percent of Americans over age 60 experience social isolation and 43 percent report feeling lonely, according to a recently published article by Frontiers Media. Social isolation is the objective state of infrequent social contact with others. Loneliness is a subjective feeling of isolation.
Social isolation, and especially loneliness, can lead to significant health risks. For older adults who prefer to live at home rather than a long-term care facility, enrolling in an adult day service can provide them with the social interaction they need, as well as other health benefits.
Adult Day Services
Adult day services (ADS), sometimes referred to as adult day care or adult day programs, offer structured programs designed to provide social engagement, health care support, and supervision for older adults or individuals with disabilities during daytime hours. These services can be essential for those who require assistance with daily activities, such as personal care, medication management, or simply socializing in a supportive environment.
Beyond providing care, adult day programs play a role in combating social isolation and loneliness, issues that can have profound negative effects on mental and physical health, especially among the elderly.
How Adult Day Care Services Address Social Isolation
Adult day services offer a solution to isolation and loneliness by providing a vibrant, community-focused environment where individuals can participate in a range of activities designed to foster social connections and emotional well-being. Here’s how these services can decrease social isolation:
Structured Social Interaction
ADS centers typically offer a variety of group activities, such as games, arts and crafts, music therapy, and group exercises. These activities promote interaction, helping participants form new friendships, strengthen existing friendships, and feel more connected. Regularly engaging in group settings fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, both of which are vital for mental well-being.
Mental and Cognitive Stimulation
Many ADS programs offer cognitive therapy, memory games, and brain exercises designed to keep the mind active. Engaging in these activities not only helps maintain cognitive health but also encourages participants to share experiences and collaborate, reducing feelings of isolation.
Physical Activity and Health Monitoring
Exercise is a key part of many adult day programs. Low-stress group exercises, such as chair yoga, stretching, and outdoor walking encourage physical activity, which is proven to improve mood and decrease loneliness. Regular health monitoring ensures that participants are physically well, further supporting their ability to stay socially active.
A Sense of Routine and Normalcy
Attending adult day care center programs provides structure to participants’ days, giving them something to look forward to. This sense of routine can be especially important for older adults who would otherwise be isolated at home and those with dementia, as it provides a familiar environment and regular social interaction.
Caregiver Support and Respite
Many family caregivers find it difficult to provide consistent social engagement for their loved ones because of time constraints, work, or their own health challenges. ADS programs give caregivers much-needed breaks while ensuring their loved ones are in a stimulating, supervised setting. This can also help reduce the caregiver’s own feelings of isolation and burnout.
Benefits Beyond Socialization
Adult day services also provide therapeutic benefits for participants who may have physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. In addition to helping prevent loneliness, these services often include nursing care, medication administration, rehabilitation therapies, support services, and nutritious meals and snacks. This holistic approach helps meet participants’ needs while creating a supportive social environment.
Technology and Remote Services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many adult day services transitioned to offering virtual programs, such as video chats, online exercise classes, and telehealth support. These virtual services helped maintain social connections during periods of social distancing. Hybrid models combining in-person and virtual services can be particularly helpful for individuals who live in rural areas or have mobility challenges.
Learn More About Adult Day Services
By providing opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity in a supervised setting, ADS services promote emotional well-being and improve the quality of life for participants. For families and caregivers, adult day programs offer a break from caregiving duties and provide them with peace of mind. Check Eldercare Locator to find adult day services in your area.
If you have questions about adult day services, including how to pay for them, contact an experienced elder care lawyer near you. They can discuss your specific situation and potential options with you.
For additional reading on adult day services and healthy aging, check out the following articles:
Make New Friends and Keep the Old: It’s Good for Your Health
The Loneliness Epidemic: Helping Seniors Stay Connected
2023 AARP Report Recommends Supports for Family Caregivers
A Tax Break to Help Working Caregivers Pay for Day Care
