November is Family Caregiver Month

Chances are, you or someone you know will be a family caregiver during your lifetime. You may even benefit from someone else’s help as you age. During National Family Caregiver Month, Jennings recognizes this special commitment.

According to the John A. Hartford Foundation, there are 53 million family caregivers providing care to a loved one in the United States. Many of these family members are assisting a loved one who is aging, which can be difficult to balance responsibilities of working and caring for children. Options such as adult day services can help family members find this balance.

"Adult day services support families by providing an active and safe space for a loved one, especially those living with Alzheimer's Disease or other cognitive challenges," explains Kathy LiPuma, Director of Adult Day Services at Jennings. "Family members can go to work, attend to other responsibilities or simply recharge. Meanwhile, the older adult is engaged with their peers in a caring environment."

Adult day services provide a good balance of activities, social stimulation, personal care and access to medical care in an environment where they are safe. Activities vary throughout the day for social, physical and cognitive stimulation and can be customized to individual interests as much as possible. Adult day center participants also attend campus events, such as concerts, speakers and intergenerational programs. Adult day services also work hand in hand with home care. Where adult day services provide social stimulation and access to care, home care provides one on one support that for times like evenings and on weekends. Combining these services can help family members customize a solution that best supports them while also making their best plan financially.

Family members often remark that their loved ones who participate in adult day services are more relaxed in the evenings because they have spent the day in a positive, productive way. Adult day services provide a good balance of activities, social stimulation, personal care and access to medical care in an environment where they are safe. Activities vary throughout the day for social, physical and cognitive stimulation and can be customized to individual interests as much as possible. Adult day center participants also attend campus events, such as concerts, speakers and intergenerational programs.

While families may pay privately for adult day services, there are benefits and community-based programs that can help cover the cost. For additional information, contact Kathy LiPuma, Director of Adult Day Services at Jennings, at (216) 581-2902, ext. 2277.