When Janet Bell's mother, the late Ada Elizabeth Bell, had a stroke more than a decade ago, Janet quit her job to provide care for her. Noticing her mother tended to sleep a lot during the day, she thought she needed a social outlet and more activity.
She enrolled her mother in an adult day service, which she attended for nine years. "She loved it so much," says Janet. "When she didn't feel well she would say, 'Once I get there I'll feel better.'"
So when Janet, 66, of Wilkins Township, became caregiver for her cousin, Dorothy Cooley, 89, several years ago, she again found day services beneficial. Although Dorothy is showing symptoms of Alzheimer's, she stays busy listening to classical music and reading. But Janet says her cousin gets bored in the house.
Adult day services offer a variety of activities to keep the body, and the mind, moving, as well as provide an opportunity for much needed socialization. The centers offer a safe and enjoyable atmosphere, which relieves anxiety for the caregiver.
Dorothy visits East Liberty's Vintage Inc. adult day services program, where she can participate in exercise sessions, cooking classes, crafts, field trips, games, educational programs and more.
According to the National Adult Day Services Association, 150,000 older Americans attend adult day services in more than 3,500 centers each day.
Patty Takacs, director of the program at Vintage, says five years ago, the center was licensed for 35. But due to demand, today it is licensed for 70, and daily attendance can range from 45 to 60.
"We have a wide variety of folks at all different cognitive levels," says Patty.
The NADSA estimates that 75 percent of day service clients live with adult children or other family or friends. The services benefit the caregiver as well, especially those who are responsible for round-the-clock care.
"For the spouse, oftentimes it's a respite for them," Patty says. "They can do errands or sleep if they have been up all night."
Janet says that having reliable day services for her cousin is invaluable, and makes her a better caregiver.
"It frees me up," she says.
"I told Patty (Takacs), 'If it weren't for you I don't think I could do this.'"
The Charles M. Morris Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, under the umbrella of the Jewish Association on Aging, offers day services at the Irvin Spolan Center in Pittsburgh, which caters to those with physical disabilities and have moderate to advanced memory loss. Services are also offered at the Anathan Club in Squirrel Hill for those who are largely independent, but who have early stage memory impairment.
At these centers, which can accommodate 60 clients combined, visitors can enjoy horticulture classes, discussion groups, lectures and films.
Cindy Pace, director of admissions and marketing for the center's day programs, says that these types of activities can encourage clients to participate at the highest functioning level possible.
"We focus on wellness, versus the illness," says Cindy.
In addition to activities, some adult centers also offer medical and emotional treatment for those who visit.
Mildred Morrison, administrator for the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, says her organization contracts with about a dozen day centers. She notes that many centers offer a variety of therapeutic services, from occupational or physical to music. Some offer shower facilities or visits from podiatrists or barbers and hairdressers.
"The ones we contract with can do tube feedings and wound care," Mildred says.
Affordability is an appeal for caregivers. Insurance covers some clients, while others may qualify for a sliding scale payment or they may qualify for scholarship funding. The average fee is $56 a day.
"It's a wonderful option," Mildred says. "Those who utilize it fall in love with it."
