Day Center Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you give medication?
A: Yes, our onsite nurse usually gives medications. Every 6 months we send medication updates to participants' doctors, even if we don't give the participants medication here and even if the participants aren't on medication, to make sure any changes have been communicated to us.
Q: Do you check blood pressure?
A: Yes, we check participants' temperature, pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate and weight at the same time at each month and alert caregivers to any unusual changes.
Q: What is required prior to enrollment?
A: We must conduct an assessment of the participant, and the participant must have dementia diagnosis from his doctor and a current TB test. After completing the necessary paperwork, we will need payment for the $95 enrollment fee and the fee for the first week, prior to the participant's first day. While we require the first week's payment upfront, the first day is considered a guest day, and is free. We do ask that this first day be a shorter day than what will be normal, so the new participant is not the last person to be picked up.
Q: What goes on all day?
A: We offer a variety of programs in a meaningful structure. Restful and invigorating activities are alternated, and each have specific benefits, such as the Balloon Toss which increases participants' blood flow, while allowing staff to track range of motion.
Q: Where do you go on field trips?
A: We may take participants to ride the train at the park, see the rose garden, visit the flower market, the mall and the bakery. We may go on a picnic or out for ice cream, take walks at the park, join a senior exercise class at the neighborhood YMCA, go to the museum, tour the azalea trail, or look for wildflowers, depending on the season and weather permitting.
Q: Do you offer transportation?
A: Red Cross and MetroLift are available, but families must schedule this service themselves.
Q: What if the participant has special dietary needs?
A: We have a dietician under counsel, and can accommodate special needs, such as diabetes, or tooth problems that require pureed food. We can also provide minimal assistance with eating. Applicants must be able to feed themselves with minimal assistance. Minimal assistance includes special meal preparation such as cutting or pureeing food and/or being prompted, cued, or reminded to eat. If a participant prefers a lighter lunch than our usual hearty meal, he may have soup or a sandwich instead. Snacks are served at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and lunch is served at noon.
Q: What is your ratio of staff to participants?
A: While the state requires us to have a 1 to 8 ratio, we instead maintain a 1 to 6 ratio. This ratio provides better supervision and more interaction between staff and participants.
Q: Do you take incontinent applicants? Or those with bowel problems?
A: Incontinent individuals may be enrolled. Incontinent aids/supplies must be provided by the family and will be used, as needed, to maintain the dignity of the participant.
Q: Do you take applicants who use a wheelchair?
A: Yes, however, all participants must be able to bear their own weight. For example, in the bathroom they must be able to stand up, pivot and sit down, with minimal assistance. Applicants with poor balance or an unsteady gait must use a cane, walker, or wheelchair to avoid falls or injury. If in a wheelchair, participants must be able to push the chair themselves. The total number of members using a wheelchair will be limited to ensure adequate space is available for program activities.
Q: Is the day center free? Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
A: No, however if the participant has long term care insurance, day center fees are usually eligible for reimbursement, and we do have a scholarship program. Without scholarship, a full day costs $60, and a half day is just $45.
Q: How many hours is a half day? A full day?
A: A half day is 5 and a half hours long, and can begin at 7 a.m. or later. Many people choose to take a half day from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If someone comes in at 12:30 p.m., we can save a lunch for him if we know he is coming. A full day is 11 hours (this works out to less than $5.50 an hour!) Anytime the stay is over 5 and a half hours, you must pay for a full day.
