A recent study has found that adult day service providers are playing a significant role in caring for older adults with dementia. The analysis of data from the 2020 National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study revealed that nearly a quarter of older adults receiving adult day services have dementia. Furthermore, over 42% of participants in adult day centers specializing in dementia care were diagnosed with dementia, highlighting the crucial role of these providers in dementia care.
The study also pointed to the need for partnerships between senior living providers and adult day care service providers. The National PACE Association has been advocating for broader support for adult day services, especially with a pending bill known as the Part D Choice Act. This legislation aims to expand affordable service options for older adults, particularly those with dementia.
It’s crucial for adult day services to provide specialized care for individuals with cognitive impairments, as the rates of impairment among participants are higher than in the past. By examining the social, environmental, and health circumstances of individuals, better personalized care can be offered in the future. This is not only beneficial for older adults with dementia but also provides much-needed respite for their caregivers.
By raising awareness about adult day services and providing support for staff with new training and competencies in dementia care, there is an opportunity to bring more dementia-based services to older adults. This will ultimately improve the quality of life for both older adults with dementia and their caregivers.
