Before you need to start thinking about nursing homes, you may be able to consider adult daycare. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator, these centers provide care and companionship for seniors while offering relief to their family members and caregivers.

Adult social day care includes things like meals, social activities and recreation. Adult-day health care focuses more on medical and therapeutic services for people with severe medical conditions.

The Eldercare Locator details many of the services you’ll find: 

• Counseling
• Education
• Evening care
• Exercise
• Health screening
• Meals
• Medical care
• Physical therapy
• Recreation
• Respite care
• Socialization
• Supervision
• Transportation
• Medication management

Some seniors need more specialized care. For example, adults with autism may need care they won’t get in basic senior daycare. An excellent place to reach out to ask about services for adults on the spectrum is a primary care doctor or your health insurance company. Your local hospital may also have referral services.

If you don’t need a full-time program but just some activities for adults, you can find many standalone options through various organizations and outlets near you. You may be able to find book clubs or other meetups for seniors through your local library. There are volunteering opportunities at food pantries or animal shelters. And there may be exciting classes at your local university or community college. 

 

For more information

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