ARTICLES / General /
7 Essential Do’s and Don’ts... /
Other ArticlesBy Naomi Berger
Trust Your Instincts
As Barbara Walters, the television celebrity and
news personality says, “Trust your gut.” Ask
yourself some questions when visiting the adult day
care health care programs. What’s the first
impression you have after walking through the door?
Are the staff and patients happily engaged in
activities together? Are the recreation and dining
areas clean? Are the walls brightly decorated with
patients’ artwork? Are there people who speak my
language or come from a similar background? Are the
activities offered age appropriate for me? Trust
your gut!
Emergency and Safety Plans
Every adult day health care program must have a
medical and safety emergency plan. Ask the program’s
director or the person who takes you on a tour to
show you the written plan. Feel free to ask
questions. For example, you could ask: What’s the
procedure if someone goes into diabetic shock; or if
someone falls? In an emergency, how are clients
evacuated from the center? When touring the
facility, notice if there are smoke detectors
mounted on the walls. Do you see fire extinguishers?
Ask if they have a defibrillator on the premise.
Safety first!
Activities for All
Adult day health care programs should have a
posted weekly or monthly calendar of activities and
events. If it’s not already posted, ask for it when
you’re on your tour. Offerings should range from
group activities such as exercise programs and
drumming circles or to activities such as arts and
crafts, dominoes, or crocheting. Ask whether they
provide trips to museums, shopping malls, baseball
games or the local theater. Do they bring in outside
guests to entertain, educate or inform individuals?
It will quickly become apparent if the program is
going the extra step to keep individuals motivated
and actively engaged.
You Are What You Eat
Adult day health care programs generally provide
at least one healthy meal and a snack during the
day. Specialty diets, such as low sodium, low sugar
and low cholesterol are accommodated at most
programs. Ask the center for a copy of their weekly
or monthly menu and, if possible during your tour,
taste the food.
