Everyone calls her Miss Mamie. She’s 97 years young and charms the staff and other participants at Levindale Adult Day Services. Miss Mamie comes to Levindale three days a week and says, “My favorite things to do are arts and crafts and cookie baking.”

For Miss Mamie and her family, adult day care is a win-win situation. It allows her family to go to work and run errands knowing she is happy and well cared for during the day, while providing the elderly matriarch the chance to see her friends and enjoy stimulating activities.

“When a loved one needs a little extra help, adult day services may be just the right option to keep a parent at home as long as possible,” says Michelle Mills, director of Levindale Adult Day Services. “It gives people who need help with daily living activities the chance to stay connected with the world around them.”

Adult day centers take care of the medical and social needs of physically and mentally challenged adults who have chronic illnesses, ranging from the effects of a stroke to diabetes to dementia. If you think this type of care is what your parent needs, the question becomes how to choose the right center for your loved one.

The first thing to do is to make sure the center is licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. State officials will do inspections to confirm that it complies with Maryland regulations. These regulations include having a registered nurse to hand out medicine, nutritious meals and a variety of activities.

“The nursing care piece of the puzzle is very important to consider when you are deciding the best place for your parent,” says Mills. “While all centers have nursing care, there are different levels. Some facilities provide the basics while others provide help with everything from feeding tubes to colostomy bags. At Levindale, we even have lab technicians on-site.”

Often a center will work with the personal physician of the participant to ensure the necessary medical care is seamlessly performed. Families also need to make sure that the state regulation of staff-to-participant ratio is adhered to. The state requires no more than six participants for every staff member.

The things you take for granted in your own home ought to be scrutinized at an adult day care center. For instance, the center should have bright lighting; handrails so participants can stand up and sit down easily; and clean floors, windows and bathrooms. There should be a warm feeling with brightly colored bulletin boards showcasing upcoming events and activities.

“Our activities include music, which strikes a chord with people of all cognitive levels; outings; current events sessions; cooking classes; and daily exercise,” says Sandy Parsowith, activities coordinator at the Pikesville Adult Day Center. “The participants especially love our arm-chair foreign travel program. Every month we choose a different country around the world and have entertainment, food and information about that place.”

As it is with almost everyone, meals are an important part of each day. Make sure you know what meals and snacks are served. Most adult day care centers provide breakfast, lunch and snacks. The meals should look and smell appetizing as well as taste good. “Many centers will work with families so that participants can adhere to special diets. Diabetic, heart healthy and soft food menus are just three examples,” says Mills.

Depending on how close your loved one lives to a center, door-to-door bus or van transportation may be part of the adult day care service offered. In addition, some centers will take your loved one to a doctor’s appointment during the day.

So how much does all of this cost? “Don’t be afraid to find out. Adult day care is less expensive than nursing home care.

Private pay, medical assistance and sometimes grants or community-based waivers are available. Talk to the center’s director,” says Mills. “However, beware of hidden costs. At Levindale and some other centers, everything is included in our fee. But, at other facilities, supplies and extra services may cost additional.”

Of course, what matters most is how Miss Mamie and her adult day care center friends feel. “Everyone at Levindale is like an extended family,” Miss Mamie says. Mills echoes the sentiment. “I feel like I have 50 grandmothers and grandfathers.”

Related Links:

Levindale Adult Day Center

Tips on Choosing an Adult Day Care Center Preparation Visit the adult day care center, both announced and unannounced Talk to the director, staff and participants Nursing Care Services Provided Medication administration and management Blood pressure and weight screenings Bladder training Nutrition instruction How many hours a week is a registered nurse at the center? Personal Care Services Incontinence management Bathing Nail and hair care Meal assistance Psychiatric, physical, occupational and speech therapy Activities Should be stimulating Should be interactive Should contain variety Should have opportunities for individual, small- and large-group interaction Should include different activities for different levels of physical and mental abilities * Information from League for Excellence in Adult Day Centers (www.leadcares.com)