Though they’re often used interchangeably, adult daycare and assisted living are two different services. Adult daycare helps aging family members who need assistance with daily tasks in a group setting. On the other hand, assisted living communities can provide 24-hour care and assistance with everything from bathing and dressing to medication management.
The main difference between adult daycare and assisted living communities is that adult daycare centers focus on daytime activities while assisted living communities offer daytime and nighttime services for those who need them most.
In this article, let’s explore what each type of service offers its clients. That way, you can decide whether your loved one needs adult daycare vs. assisted living in Charlotte, NC.
Medical Attention
Adult daycare is an excellent option for people needing medical attention but not 24-hour care. In adult daycare, you’ll find nurses or other medical professionals on staff who can provide basic medical care and monitoring. If you have an illness requiring ongoing medication or treatment by a physician, this may be an ideal choice.
Adult daycare centers are also convenient because most facilities should be near most people’s homes. You won’t have to travel far away from home when it’s time for your appointment at the doctor’s office or hospital!
Assisted living communities are comfortable, safe, and secure. The staff is trained in first aid and CPR and handling emergencies like falls or sudden health problems. They can also help you with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating if you need assistance.
In addition to providing medical attention on-site 24/7 (in case of emergency), assisted living communities often have arrangements with local hospitals. That way, residents can receive medical care off-site if necessary.
Social Interaction
As you age, social interaction becomes more important. Socialization is one of the most critical factors in keeping your mind sharp and healthy as you age. Studies have shown that socializing can help prevent dementia and other mental health issues in aging family members by increasing their cognitive function.
Adult daycare centers for adults over 50 can help maintain their independence while still being able to get out of the house every day or so. These programs offer activities like exercise classes, craft projects, and games. That way, people can interact with others while doing something they enjoy doing—it’s a win-win situation!
Activities and Services
Adult day health centers provide more social activities and services like assisted living communities, such as games, crafts, and music therapy. They also offer medical services like physical therapy or counseling on an as-needed basis.
Assisted living communities can offer all these things, plus 24-hour staffing if you need help with daily tasks like bathing or dressing. In addition to providing meals and housekeeping services, assisted living communities usually have staff members who can drive residents to appointments. Staff can also run errands for the residents if the latter doesn’t have the time to go themselves!
Some assisted living communities also have activities programmed into their daily schedule that encourage socialization among the residents, such as group games or movie nights.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between adult daycare and assisted living. Both offer medical care, activities, and socialization opportunities for seniors who need them. But there are also some key differences between these two types of communities that you should consider when choosing which one is right for your loved one.
