Have you suddenly found yourself in the role of family caregiver to an adult with health or functional needs? It can happen suddenly, and even if it’s just temporary, it can bring added stress to people still raising children or working a full-time job. Well, you are not alone. More than one in five (21 percent) of Americans—53 million people—are providing unpaid care to an adult with health or functional needs, according to a 2020 AARP survey. This represents an increase of nearly 10 million people from the 2015 survey. More than half (61 percent) of caregivers were employed, and 45 percent had experienced a financial impact due to caregiving. And that was before the pandemic hit.
When you’re loved one can no longer live at home safely without extra help…what are your options? Most family caregivers think there are only three: devote more caregiving time (by visiting or having them move in with you), pay for in-home care, or start considering an assisted living community. All three present new challenges. How can caregivers devote more time when they are working or have children to care for? In-home care can be expensive and loved ones may feel uncomfortable with people they don’t know. Your loved one may not want to move in with you and lose their independence, never mind creating the space and the changes to your family dynamics. And your loved one may simply not be ready to consider assisted living, or even want to talk about it. Never mind the considerable cost of such care.
There is, however, a fourth option.
Becoming a member at one of JABA’s Adult Care Centers in Charlottesville and Louisa.
While our Centers closed last year in response to the pandemic, we slowly re-opened following protocols and direction from the Blue Ridge Health District. Today, we are fully open but will, of course, be continuing to monitor trends in COVID-19 cases in the health district.
Our Centers are open Monday through Friday and families can choose between a full day or half-day stay for as many weekdays as they like. Members receive personalized, professional, and loving care from staff trained to attend to individual needs. In addition, a JABA nurse monitors health needs, administers medications, and oversees any specialized Alzheimer’s or dementia care.
Also, and many people are not aware of this, JABA’s Adult Care Centers are not just for older adults — anyone 18 or older with a disability is eligible to become a member.
We offer fun activities and daily events for socializing, including music performances, speakers, games — and yes, bingo! — as well as outings to local art museums or galleries, parks, even bowling.
Our members also enjoy freshly prepared meals, healthy snacks, and beverages throughout the day.
While some are often reluctant to come at first, as venturing out away from the comforts of home and the familiarity of family can be difficult, we’ve found that our members come to appreciate and look forward to their time at the Adult Care Center. And they honestly feel better knowing that their family members don’t have to worry so much about them. And for caregivers, it means being able to go to work, run errands, care for their children, or take much-needed breaks from the normal strains of caregiving.
One special dynamic at our Adult Care Centers is our intergenerational programming. For example, our Charlottesville members have a unique relationship with the kids at JABA’s Shining Star Preschool, which is located in the same building, as do Louisa members with a private preschool located in their building. Members have regular weekly lunch dates and activities with the children, like building crafts together, baking cupcakes, or simply enjoying a meal and conversation. While participation with the children is voluntary, many members find that being with the kids is very fulfilling, and as the preschool teachers will tell you, the kids form special bonds with their older friends.
Of course, kids can be exhausting! That’s why members of our Adult Care Centers also enjoy their relationships with our more independent Community Senior Center members in Charlottesville and Louisa. Often the two groups will go on outings together, share a meal, or enjoy music performances and activities. In addition, young people and adult professionals from the community are also frequent visitors, either volunteering their services or simply spending time with our members.
Ironically, the best way to allow your loved one to continue to live comfortably at home, prevent social isolation, and avoid the high costs of in-home care and assisted living, may be to get them out of the house! Our JABA Adult Care Centers are busy, active, loving places, and much less expensive than in-home care or assisted living. We also accept Medicaid and have scholarships and grants available to help people with specialized needs or those who need financial assistance. Plus, members get to return to the comforts of their own home at the end of the day.
So call us today for a free lunch and a tour. You’ll be glad you did.
For more information:
JABA Charlottesville Adult Care Center
Phone: 434.817.5235 Address:
674 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 9, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm
Website
JABA Louisa Adult Care Center
Phone: 540.967.4435
Address: 522 Industrial Drive, Louisa, VA 23093
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Website
