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Phone 781-340-9100
Abigail Adams Adult Day Health Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How are you Staffed?
Because we are a Health Center, we must have a Registered Nurse on-site at all times. We supplement this resource with Certified Nurse’s Assistants (CNA’s) who assist the nurse with one-on-one care of our members. We have a Social Director and Activities Assistant to lead our members in scheduled events to challenge the mind, exercise the body, and to provide a stimulating, fun way to spend their day. We maintain a ratio of one staff member for every four members. Our well-trained, caring, dedicated staff is the cornerstone of our program.
What does your program entail?
Our mission is to provide an environment and program which will support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life, live safely, and in good health. We provide:
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a safe, secure environment in which to spend the day
a safe, secure environment in which to spend the day •a continental breakfast upon arrival, a nutritious lunch with dessert, snacks at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. All meals are prepared in our
a continental breakfast upon arrival, a nutritious lunch with dessert, snacks at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. All meals are prepared in our on-site kitchen using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Menus are published monthly.
•enjoyable and educational activities to stimulate the brain and to exercise the body.
enjoyable and educational activities to stimulate the brain and to exercise the body.•improvements in mental and physical health by monitoring vital signs and weight, administering prescribed medications, tracking and reporting
improvements in mental and physical health by monitoring vital signs and weight, administering prescribed medications, tracking and reporting any identified changes in behavior, and meeting any special dietary needs.
•enhanced or maintained levels of independence
enhanced or maintained levels of independence •ongoing and daily socialization and peer support
ongoing and daily socialization and peer support •a creative and active social program consisting of
a creative and active social program consisting of oArts and crafts
Arts and crafts oMusical entertainment and sing-a-longs
Musical entertainment and sing-a-longs oMental stimulation games such as BINGO, word games, trivia
Mental stimulation games such as BINGO, word games, trivia oStretching or other gentle exercise, plus hand massages and “quiet times”
Stretching or other gentle exercise, plus hand massages and “quiet times” oDiscussion groups (books, films, current events)
Discussion groups (books, films, current events) oHoliday and birthday celebrations
Holiday and birthday celebrations oLocal outings, and much, much more……………
Local outings, and much, much more……………How much does your program cost?
Our standard rate is $75.00 per day, plus transportation costs if used. We have a contract with the Veterans Administration that will cover the cost for approved veterans. If your loved one qualifies for Mass Health coverage, we will work with area Social Services agencies to obtain payment assistance.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes, we have two company vans and we pick up members from 7:45AM to 9:30AM and return home between 3:30PM and 5:00PM. One van is wheelchair accessible. We schedule our two vans to minimize the time each member spends on the van, delivering them to our Center as directly as possible. Fees for transportation range from $15.00 to $30.00 per day (based on round-trip and distance). Approximately 60% of our members use company transportation with the remaining 40% transported by family or caregivers.
My loved one is incontinent; does this present a problem?
Unlike many Adult Day Care Centers, we do not have any issues with incontinence. Our nurses and CNA’s will assist our members with toileting as needed in a discrete manner so as to maintain the dignity of our members.
As his Alzheimer’s disease has progressed, my dad sometimes uses language or exhibits behavior that may be inappropriate. Will this exclude him from your program?
Many families find such behavior embarrassing, but we fully understand this is the disease and not the individual. Our staff members have all undergone Alzheimer’s specific training and know how to redirect the individual to steer the conversation onto a more pleasant topic or, where possible and appropriate, provide ongoing coaching. A key component of our intake program is a full evaluation of the needs of the individual. People in the late stages of dementia that may demonstrate hostile actions or very high anxiety may not be appropriate for our program. We must be sure we can help the individual with our program, but we also must consider the safety and comfort level of our other members and our staff.
I’ve read all the provided material and I want to go to the next step – what do I do?
Call us to arrange an on-site visit. We’ll schedule an interview with your loved one so our nurse and our program director can complete an intake evaluation. We’ll provide you with our Member's packet, including a detailed medical form to be completed by your loved one’s Primary Care Physician. We’ll also provide a write-up to help you plan for the first day attendance at our Center.
My mom is very independent and does not want to go to a “day care center”. What do I do?
Your loved one may feel reluctant to use adult day care services because they seem unfamiliar, or because they are hesitant to try something new. Our staff will provide “coaching” on how to explain our program. For example, explain that your loved one will be attending “a Club” that will be fun, where their skills or past experience will allow them to help us take care of others. Leaving a loved one at our Center for the first time may remind you of that first day of school with a teary-eyed child, but our experienced staff will work hard to make that first day, and all the following days, enjoyable and fun.
I know this is a good program, but can I wait till x months before my wife starts attending the Center?
Postponing change or deciding to do nothing is always an option, but almost always is the worst option to take. Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease in that it destroys the mind, but often leaves the body in relatively decent shape. As the primary caregiver, you often feel a sense of duty to stay in that role, not realizing the toll it takes on your health. Statistics show that the primary care giving spouse predeceases the Alzheimer's patient more than 50% of the time. In reality, by taking care of yourself and seeking the relief provided by our respite care, you will be there in the months and years ahead to continue to support your loved one.
Please, give us a call and let us help you and your loved one.
