There comes a time in every adult’s middle age when the question of how to care for an ageing parent must be answered. You are not alone, since it’s estimated that around 7 percent of the 60+ population has dementia in varying severity and by varying causes. As you are busy with career and family, you find yourself faced with navigating a care system that sometimes seems uncaring, and a person who cared for you now in need of the same tenderness and care that you once needed. A senior in need of memory care can often remain at home in their familiar River Edge NJ community by enrolling them in an adult day care that specializes in memory care as part of an “age in place” plan.
In many cases, dementia patients benefit from having a social circle, not only to ward off isolation and depression, but to exercise their cognitive abilities. This can slow the progressions of dementia and and even reverse some memory issues that may be caused by depression and isolation. Basically, studies say that friends are good for keeping your brain healthy – and the rest of your, too.
A memory care day program is a great place for mom or dad, offering lots of activities with folks their own age, healthy meals, trained staff, and even transportation. There are alternatives to nursing homes for those who have less intensive needs and better alternatives to isolating your parent at home with an unsupervised health care aide. Make an appointment with a local adult day care in River Edge NJ and evaluate what they have to offer. It will help you to worry less, balance your life better, and your parent will enjoy meeting new friends and having new experiences.
