Adult Medical Day Care

Is it Right for Your Loved One?

Adult Medical Day Care provides adults with the extra help they may need to maintain their independence. Adult Medical Day Care provides a home-like atmosphere during the day and offers special medical attention as well as assistance with the activities of daily living for the elderly or those age 16 and older who are physically or mentally impaired.

When Is Adult Medical Day Care Beneficial?

You should consider using an Adult Medical Day Care program if your loved one needs at least three of the following:

A safe, secure environment during the day
Social activities
Assistance with eating, walking, toileting and/or medications
Monitoring of weight, blood pressure, food or liquid intake
Exercise
Personal care, such as bathing, shampooing, laundry
Mental stimulation
Reality orientation

Who Uses Adult Medical Day Care?

Participants in Adult Medical Day Care programs are individuals who

Are physically or mentally impaired
Are socially isolated
Need assistance with personal care
Need assistance to function independently in the community, but do not need a 24-hour supervised living situation
Live with a caregiver and the caregiver needs respite

How to Choose an Adult Medical Day Care

When selecting an Adult Medical Day Care Program, here are some of the things that you should consider.

Who is the owner or what is the sponsoring agency? Is it an organization that you know and trust?
How long has the Day Care been in business?
What are the hours of operation?
Is the center licensed? (You can check with the state health department to see if there are any substantiated complaints against the Day Care.)
Is transportation provided to and from the home? What about to and from medical appointments? Is there an extra charge for any of the transportation services?
What is the cost? Is the cost charged hourly, daily or weekly? Is there financial assistance available? Will insurance cover any of the cost? (Make sure you understand clearly what is and is not included in the basic cost.)
What specific conditions are accepted? Incontinence? Persons in wheelchairs? Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia?
Are there special areas within the Day Care center for participants with dementia or Alzheimer's?
What is the staff-to-participant ratio? How does it compare to state standards? (In Maryland, there should be ONE staff member to every SIX clients.) What is the staff ratio to participants with dementia?
What is the composition of professional and paraprofessional staff? Are there RN's? Are the nursing assistants certified? Is there a social worker on staff? Is there a dietitian on staff?
What activities are provided? Are there individual and group activities? Are the activities stimulating? Are any field trips offered?
Are the meals balanced and tasty? (You may want to visit the Day Care at mealtime or eat a meal at the center.)
Do you feel welcome? Is the staff willing to spend time finding out what you want and need? Are the programs and activities explained?
Is the Center clean, odorless, and pleasant?
How are the participants treated? Is the staff pleasant to participants? Does the staff interact well with the clients?
Is the furniture comfortable for the clients? Are there loungers for relaxation? Is there a "quiet room" where participants can rest?

About WMHS Adult Medical Day Care

The WMHS Adult Medical Day Care provides an inviting atmosphere for adults who need care during the day. The Center is open Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants can attend one to six days a week, depending on their preference.

The WMHS Adult Medical Day Care invites you to learn more about its program and we can meet your family's needs. Please call us at 301-722-0199 to see how we may be able to provide a home away from home for your loved one.