Staying connected when a loved one starts a day program

What we found in the research

A multisite trial of adult day services (opens in a new tab), published online in August 2023 and appearing in the April 2024 issue of The Gerontologist, examined a program called ADS Plus. Trained staff offered structured support to caregivers alongside the services their relatives attended.

The researchers identified a gap in existing provision:

“few provide systematic caregiver support”

— Laura N. Gitlin and colleagues

The study involved 203 caregivers across 34 sites. At 12 months, the intervention group had lower depression scores than the comparison group after adjustment. This was a specific dementia caregiver program, with trained staff, follow-up losses and pandemic disruption. It does not establish what every local day program provides or promise the same outcome for every family.

Why this matters to us

A family may spend considerable effort choosing a program and arranging the first day. The next relationship can receive less attention: how the person, family and staff will stay in contact once attendance begins.

At genus, we see enrollment as a beginning. Families bring knowledge of the person’s interests and ordinary routines. Staff bring their own observations and expertise. Both need a practical way to ask questions.

The study also reminds us that a caregiver may still need support even when the person they care for has somewhere to go.

Plan the first follow-up conversation

Our suggestion is to agree on a simple communication plan during enrollment.

Ask who handles everyday questions, which contact method the program prefers and when the family can expect a response. Find out separately what to do about urgent concerns.

Arrange a first review after the person has had a chance to experience the program. Include their perspective in the way that works for them. What did they enjoy? What felt unfamiliar? Is there something they would like to try?

Bring a small number of observations rather than asking for a report on every moment. For example, discuss whether the arrival routine is working or whether a particular activity connects with an existing interest.

Ask what support the program offers caregivers and what it would refer elsewhere. A clear explanation of its limits is useful information, too.

The genus connection

Today, the genusConnect Care App (opens in a new tab) supports enabled conversations, events and tasks for invited community members. Features and access depend on the organization’s configuration.

Where an organization uses these features, an event can identify the agreed review and a conversation can hold routine questions. Staff still determine the appropriate communication process. This supports our mission of keeping families connected around everyday participation; it does not reproduce the clinical intervention studied in ADS Plus.

One question to take away

After the first day, who will your family talk with about how the program is working for everyone involved?