How to prepare Alzheimer’s patient for adult day care?

 

Preparing an Alzheimer’s patient for adult day care involves several steps to ensure the transition is smooth and the patient feels comfortable and secure. Here are some strategies to help:

1.       Convince the Person with Dementia to Attend a Day Program

·         Convince yourself first: Take a tour of more than one center and discuss any objections you anticipate the person with dementia might have. The staff of the centers should be experience at enticing reluctant people to attend and at managing newcomers’ anxieties. Find out how they do this.

·         Give a convincing reason: Some people attend because they see the center as their “club” or “class” or “job.” Some go for a particular activity or to be with other people. Some attend to help others, as a volunteer would.

·         Enlist the help of an “expert”: Sometimes it helps to have the person’s physician or clergy or family friend talk with them about the merits of attending.

2.       Research and Select a Suitable Facility

·         Visit Multiple Centers: Visit several adult day care centers to find the one that best fits the patient's needs and preferences.

·         Staff Qualifications: Ensure the staff is well-trained in handling Alzheimer’s patients.

·         Activities Offered: Look for centers that offer activities tailored to cognitive impairments and personal interests of the patient.

·         Safety Measures: Check for adequate safety measures and a secure environment.

3.       Gradual Introduction

·         Start Small: Begin with short visits and gradually increase the time spent at the center.

·         Stay Initially: Stay with the patient for the first few visits to help them get accustomed to the new environment.

4.       Create a Routine

·         Consistent Schedule: Establish a consistent schedule for attending the day care to provide structure.

·         Preparation Rituals: Develop a morning routine that includes preparing for day care to signal the start of the day.

5.       Communication and Reassurance

·         Explain Gently: Explain the purpose of day care in simple terms, emphasizing the fun and social aspects.

·         Reassure Frequently: Reassure the patient that they will be picked up and brought back home after day care.

·         Be firm: At first the person may enjoy going but then later complain of being unhappy. Don’t argue. The next day they are scheduled to attend, try saying, “They are expecting you today” or “I just want you to go for a little while” or “Let’s talk about that later.”

6.       Pack Familiar Items

·         Comfort Items: Pack items that bring comfort and familiarity, such as a favorite blanket, photo album, or personal belongings.

·         Snacks and Medications: Ensure they have any required medications and familiar snacks if permitted by the day care.

7.       Build Trust with Staff

·         Meet Caregivers: Introduce the patient to the caregivers and encourage the building of trust and rapport.

·         Share Information: Provide the staff with detailed information about the patient’s routines, preferences, and any triggers.

8.       Monitor and Adjust

·         Observe Reactions: Monitor how the patient reacts to day care and look for signs of distress or enjoyment.

·         Communicate with Staff: Maintain open communication with the day care staff to address any concerns or adjustments needed.

·         Adjust as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust the schedule or the choice of the day care center if necessary.

9.       Involve Family and Friends

·         Familiar Faces: Occasionally involve family members or close friends to visit the day care with the patient to provide additional comfort.

10.   Provide Positive Reinforcement

·         Look for a hook: Arrange for the person to visit the center when there is an activity scheduled that they might enjoy or even try out on the spot. Perhaps there is a day when more men or more women are attending and if that would influence their attending, stop by then.

·         Praise Participation: Praise and encourage the patient for attending and participating in activities at the day care.

·         Highlight Benefits: Emphasize the positive aspects and any enjoyment or new friendships formed at the day care.

11.   Plan for Transitions

·         Consistent Pick-Up Time: Be punctual when picking up the patient to avoid anxiety.

·         Discuss the Day: Talk about the day's activities to reinforce positive experiences and memories.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that the transition to adult day care is as smooth and positive as possible for the Alzheimer’s patient.