* Editor’s note: This is the last in a series of four articles discussing the need for an adult day program in Davis. The Davis Adult Day Program Task Force mission is to develop and launch day program services for those living with memory loss and other disabilities. Family caregivers rely on programs such as adult day care in order to continue working, or just to obtain needed respite from taxing caregiving responsibilities. Resources and more information on Alzheimer’s and dementia can be found at a 24/7 helpline, 1-800-272-3900 or http://www.alz.org.
By Dawn Myers Purkey
With the first of the baby boomers approaching 75, we are seeing a dramatic increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It is so significant that it is described as an epidemic.
In Davis, the numbers are higher than state averages for two reasons: Working caregivers often move aging parents to Davis and retirees rarely relocate. Both reasons are due to the fact that the Davis community is a desirable place to live.
The series of articles this month have framed the challenges faced by individuals and their families when a diagnosis is received. They highlighted how complicated and expensive the care becomes, the negative impact of stress and strain on the caregiver, the overwhelming task of planning and decision-making, and lastly, the limited resources available to Davis residents.
For the final installment, I would like to describe how an adult day program could assist with tackling these challenges...