Everything to Know About Adult Day Service Programs
As we age, our daily routine and activities may either feel mundane or become more difficult. This can lead seniors to feel dissatisfied and in a rut, and those who need care are at risk for isolation and disengagement from the world around them. If your loved ones aren’t getting the connections to other people they need, then an adult day service program might be a good option.
Think of adult day service programs as providers of everything a senior may need during a day. These programs offer a safe and structured environment for seniors to socialize, exercise, and participate in activities designed to stimulate the mind and body.
While each program may vary slightly, most adult day service programs have the same goal: to improve the overall well-being of their participants. At Town Square, we take a holistic approach to adult day care that’s especially suited for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory disorders starting from the earliest stages.
By focusing on the physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of our participants, we strive to provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for all.
What are Adult Day Service Programs?
Adult day service programs are designed to meet the needs of seniors who may require some level of assistance and supervision during the daytime hours. Many of these programs provide a wide range of activities and services, including socialization, recreation, and meals.
While some seniors are able to live independently, others may be living with cognitive impairments or other health concerns that make it unsafe for them to be on their own during the day. For these individuals, adult day service programs can provide the level of care and supervision they need to remain safe and healthy.
In addition to meeting the needs of individual seniors, adult day service programs can also provide respite for caregivers. They give caregivers a much-needed break from their caregiving duties while also providing peace of mind that their loved one is being well taken care of.
At Town Square, we provide a complete senior enrichment and care experience. We believe that seniors should be able to age in place with dignity and respect. So, we’ve structured our environment and activities to meet the needs of seniors at all levels of care.
Our facility is unique – it’s designed to look and feel like a small town from the middle of the 20th century, complete with retro-style recreation areas. When members come to Town Square, they are transported back in time to a simpler era. This environment is specifically designed to trigger memories, stimulate social interaction, and enrich their lives.
In addition to our one-of-a-kind setting, we also offer a wide range of activities and events. From art classes to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone at Town Square
Case Study — Our Reminiscence Therapy Approach
At Town Square, we use a unique approach to adult day care called reminiscence therapy. The latest neuroscientific research concludes that people with dementia can still retain memories from their youth. The reasons for this are not fully understood and could potentially be myriad, and may have to do with both structural and chemical processes in the brain as well as the special salience of our formative experiences.
That is to say, most people go through major transitions in their youth: They get their driver’s licenses, start first jobs, may go to college, have romantic relationships that may eventually result in meeting their spouse, and generally become fully independent people. These kinds of experiences serve as a reference point for the present in all of us, no matter our level of brain health. Accessing formative memories can therefore be a critical anchor to the now and the future for people with cognitive disabilities.
Glenner found that by stimulating these memories, he could help improve the overall well-being of his patients. He developed a method of therapy that involves using props, music, and other triggers to help dementia patients access these forgotten memories.
We’ve adapted Glenner’s approach for use in our adult day service program. By focusing on memories from the past, we are able to help our members connect with their own lives. This therapeutic approach has been shown to reduce dementia symptoms, improve socialization, and promote cognitive stimulation.
Some techniques we use in triggering these memories include:
- Appreciation of music from the past
- Artistic engagement
- Nostalgic props and prompt
Our goal is to help our members recapture memories and connect with their past, which is a comforting experience that affirms lifelong accomplishments, and in the process, we hope to improve their overall quality of life.
Finding a Center
When choosing an adult day service program, it’s essential to find a center that meets the needs of both you and your loved one. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Services Offered:
First, you’ll want to make sure that the center offers the services that your loved one needs. At Town Square, we go beyond what an ordinary social adult day care can offer, thanks to our dementia-trained staff members and allowing for visits by outside medical providers, so that our members can get treated right at our center.
Location:
It’s also important to choose a center that is conveniently located. You’ll want to make sure that it’s easy to get to and from the center, especially if you’ll be dropping your loved one off regularly. Some Town Square locations partner with a trusted third-party transportation agency for our members’ convenience.
Staff:
When touring a potential center, be sure to meet the staff. Get a feel for the overall atmosphere of the place. Do the staff seem friendly and welcoming? Do they seem like they genuinely care about the members? These are important factors to consider when making your decision.
Now that you know what to look for in an adult day service program, you can be sure to find the perfect fit for your loved one. Town Square currently has two locations in New Jersey for the convenience of our members in different regions of the state: Brick and Princeton.
Jersey Shore
Town Square at the Jersey Shore
1930 Route 88, Suite 14
Brick, NJ 08724
732-451-6185
Princeton
Town Square Princeton
2 Hospital Drive, Building
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
609-375-0751
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Paying For Services
Adult day service programs typically charge by the day, week, or month; some centers may also offer drop-in rates. Prices may also vary based on the level of care required and the length of the visit.
When considering an adult day service program, it’s crucial to find one that fits both your needs and your budget. Although we are a private-pay center, our staff is always available to help you find government benefits that may apply to you or your loved one and cover some of our cost.
The opening hours and schedules of adult day care centers also vary. At Town Square’s locations, we offer full-day programs – our members are with us from 9 AM through 5 PM and may attend for any number of days from Monday through Friday.
Local Programs
Our local programs are designed to meet the needs of both caregivers and care recipients. Town Square Princeton offers an in-person caregiver support group, as well as educational and other public events.
Town Square is committed to helping families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We often hear from primary caregivers how much our program offers relief for caregivers while providing companionship and stimulation for care recipients.
For more information about our local programs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
