Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but between work, household responsibilities, and paying attention to personal well-being, many caregivers wonder how to balance it all. The good news: Supporting your loved one doesn’t always necessitate moving them to a new living environment. Adult day services can provide meaningful enrichment during the day while easing the stress of caregiving.
What are adult day services?
Adult day services, available on WesleyLife campuses in Des Moines and Newton, offer daytime support and engagement for qualifying adults age 45 and older. Whether someone needs assistance with daily activities, struggles with safety when left alone, or simply can benefit from social interaction, adult day services provide a safe and supportive option. Participants can attend on a schedule that works for them — daily or just a day or two per week. Although many participants are living with dementia, a dementia diagnosis is not a prerequisite.
Safety, support, and peace of mind
Safety is a cornerstone of adult day services. Participants thrive in a secure environment, served by dedicated professionals who ensure well-being throughout the day. Families gain confidence knowing their loved one is not alone at home, facing risks without support.
"When Rod's dementia grew worse, we had some issues with him trying to use the stove or leaving water running," Tammy, the wife of an adult day participant from West Des Moines, says. "I would try to work from home to make sure he was safe, but I wasn't able to get anything done. Our son was looking in on him, but he was unable to help every day.
"I needed to keep my job to hang on to our benefits, so we needed another arrangement. I happened to see the sign (advertising adult day services at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines) when I was driving to work. Adult day was a godsend. It was affordable for us, and I felt like I could stop worrying 24/7."
A day in the life
Adult day services are designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Programming goes beyond “something to do” and instead focuses on purposeful engagement, such as:
- Social activities that foster connection and camaraderie and reduce isolation
- Health-minded meals that are both delicious and nutritious
- Physical and cognitive programming that encourages movement and mental stimulation
- Safe spaces where participants can thrive, even with chronic health concerns
Why families choose adult day services
Although adult day services can make a tremendous difference, many families are unaware they exist. Sadly, that’s what makes them somewhat of a best-kept secret in services for older adults: so much value, yet often overlooked until caregiving stress reaches a breaking point.
The benefits extend both to participants and caregivers. For participants, those can include :
- Engagement: Participants stay physically, mentally, and socially active.
- Happiness: They can feel bolstered by a sense of belonging and connection.
- Nutrition: They can access and enjoy meals and snacks designed to fuel overall health.
For caregivers, benefits can include:
- Reduced stress: Peace of mind that their loved one is safe and supported.
- Time for self-care: The ability to step away to focus on work, errands, or rest.
- Confidence: Assurance that their loved one is thriving while they attend to other responsibilities.
How do I know if adult day is the right fit for my situation?
Adult day services may be a solid choice if you are feeling stretched thin as a caregiver and/or your loved one:
- Is unsafe alone at home because of physical or cognitive challenges
- Has experienced a fall
- Has expressed or shown signs of loneliness or isolation
- Needs extra daily support in any form
Take the first step
Considering adult day services for someone you love? Call Dahl Adult Day Services on the Wesley on Grand campus in Des Moines at (515) 271-6701, or Willowbrook Adult Day Services on the campus of Park Centre in Newton (641) 791-4500. You're welcome to bring your loved one for a visit and experience firsthand how adult day services can enrich your family!