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How to choose the right adult day care centre.
Safe and Sound – finding the right adult day care centre
What to look for and what to know.
How to Choose the Right Adult Day Care Centre
What to look out for and why.
Finding the right elderly adult day care centre for someone, particularly those living with dementia or Parkinson’s disease, is essential for their wellbeing and quality of life. Yet, what does a good adult day care centre ‘look like’, what should you pay attention to and why?
Beyond just providing care, a well-run adult care centre can have significant benefits for mind and body; not only helping prevent loneliness and depression, but also supporting people to be physically active for as long as possible. Offering respite for caregivers, the structured routine of a day care centre also provides a sense of stability, which can be particularly comforting for individuals with dementia or Parkinson’s.
An established adult day care centre in Strensall on the outskirts of York, we’ve created a short breakdown of what to look for in a good adult or elderly day care centre and why it’s important.
The Care Team
Great staff are crucial to the care and comfort of their centre members. A great care team should be:
- Compassionate and empathetic, treating members with respect, dignity, and kindness.
- Qualified and experienced, so that everyone is safe and well looked after.
- Patient and attentive, able to handle challenges calmly and offer personalised attention.
- Communicative to ensure clear communication with both members and families.
- Regularly improving their skills to be across the latest care provision techniques and regulations.
The Facilities and Environment
Catering for both the physical and emotional needs of older people, a good day care centre will have:
- Safe and accessible spaces with safety features such as handrails, non-slip floors, and clear signage to prevent accidents.
- A clean, comfortable and homely atmosphere that is warm and inviting.
- Medical equipment on-site for visitor needs and any emergencies.
- Quiet, calming spaces where members can relax without lots of noise or activity if they prefer it.
- Outdoor space to be able to enjoy gardens or fresh air.
The Activities
On any given day, activities should be stimulating, enjoyable and suited to the visitor’s abilities, which may include:
- Physical activities such as chair yoga, Tai Chi, or gentle exercise to support mobility.
- Mental stimulation including memory games, puzzles and cognitive exercises to maintain brain function.
- Creative fun like art, crafting, music, singing and storytelling to encourage self-expression.
- Social interaction in group activities, shared meals and discussions to foster community.
- Personalised activities that are tailored to individual interests and needs.
A Typical Day at Strensall Day Care Centre
Our day starts with a warm welcome and a drink while everyone settles in. Our activities are structured yet flexible, including baking, games, crafts, quizzes, singing and social time to discuss recent events and news. Often, the treats we bake together form part of our snacks and we all come together ot eat our two-course hot lunch.
The afternoon offers everyone time to do an activity more tailored to individual needs. We often also have pamper sessions or pet therapy visits. We don’t have a television because we are all far too busy chatting and having fun. Social media gives us a way to include the families and carers of our members, and our regular updates help keep everyone who wishes to be connected and involved.
“We use the Facebook page to see what Dad’s been up to. The whole family follow, his daughter in Portsmouth, even his grandchildren… Dad would be lost without the care, attention and stimulation he gets.” Christina Rose
Understanding Our Fees
When considering adult day care options, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for. At Strensall Day Care Centre, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden extras. Our fully inclusive daily fee covers:
- All meals, including our freshly prepared two-course hot lunch.
- Unlimited drinks and snacks throughout the day.
- All activities, materials and special events.
- Professional care from our qualified team.
- Regular updates and communications with families.
- Access to all our facilities, including our garden space.
VAT
We understand that care costs can be a significant consideration for families. Some of our members may be eligible for funding support through local authority social services, personal budgets, or attendance allowance. Our team is happy to discuss potential funding options and provide guidance on applications.
Unlike some centres, we don’t charge extra for special activities or outings, ensuring you can budget with confidence. We’re committed to providing excellent value while maintaining the highest standards of care and engagement for our members.
So, to sum up…
Choosing the right elderly day care centre for a loved one with dementia or Parkinson’s is a significant decision. Overall, the general environment can greatly affect the experience of members, so, when you step inside, if you get a sense of a welcoming atmosphere, positive and friendly staff, community, cleanliness, a structured routine, yet adaptable enough for every individual, then you just may be in the right place. By focusing on the quality of the care team, facilities, activities and ambience, you can ensure your loved one will receive the best possible support.
If you’re searching for an elderly day care centre that values comfort, engagement and specialised care, why not visit us and see for yourself? We offer free taster sessions so that our potential members and their families and carers can experience our care firsthand.
Our centre is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, excluding bank holidays.
Please get in touch, we look forward to welcoming you!
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Support Organisations for Dementia and Parkinson’s in the UK
If you’re looking for additional support, information, or guidance, these organisations can help:
Alzheimer’s Society Provides expert advice, support services, and a dementia helpline.
Dementia UK – Offers specialist dementia nurses and practical guidance for families.
Parkinson’s UK – Supports individuals with Parkinson’s through information, local groups, and research funding.
Age UK – Provides services and advice tailored to older people, including those with dementia and Parkinson’s.