Not Just Dementia: The Other Uses for Adult Day Care
When Rudy and Maria Roman took in Rudy’s sister to live with them several years ago, their lives changed tremendously. Leticia “Letty” Ramirez brought life to their household; she is one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. But she also brought responsibility.
After a childhood bout with polio, Letty was left with several physical and intellectual disabilities. She is bubbly and charming, but requires constant supervision. She cannot care for herself at home.
Both Romans were still working full-time, so without the support of Valley Adult Day Services (VADS), they’d have been faced with a difficult choice. Most likely, they’d have had to pay someone to serve as a caregiver while they worked, a prospect that would have been expensive, and also nervewracking. Leaving your loved one with a stranger comes with some trepidation.
VADS staff never felt like strangers. First and foremost, the Romans knew Letty was safe while they worked. And whenever there was a problem—letty is prone to seizures, for example—the staff would contact them and ensure that not only was she cared for, but the family was kept informed and involved.
To Letty, VADS participation wasn’t just day care. She wasn’t being dropped off to stay with strangers; from her point of view, she was “going to school.” The staff were kind and caring, and the program in place for her was organized and individualized to her needs. VADS has an activity calendar for all participants, and adapts to the needs of each. There was an evaluation every six months, with goals established to monitor Letty’s progress.
Sometimes, the VADS staff would notice and suggest things the Romans had not themselves considered.
That the program was good for her was never in question, but the lesson was driven home more clearly one day when Maria arrived early to pick Letty up. Upon asking where Letty was, she was told that she was reading to the other participants. Initially, Maria was confused (Letty is unable to read), but as she walked into the room, she found her sister-in-law with a book in hand, telling a story about the characters inside. Her audience was enraptured.
Letty participated in VADS for around five years before the pandemic shut the organization down briefly and the Romans retired. Now that the pandemic is fading, they don’t need those services every day, but are looking to return Letty to VADS, perhaps a couple of days a week. This will give her the needed socialization while providing the Romans with respite, a time when they can rest and relax, or participate in activities that are more difficult when caregiving.
This kind of respite is invaluable to caregivers of all kinds. When participating in simple activities, such as a day at the beach, taking in an art exhibit, or simply going out to dinner, they are always mindful of Letty’s needs. In some situations, they take turns enjoying activities. With respite care, they can do things together again.
As for Letty, she’s just happy to return to “school.”