Adult day care is a planned program of supportive activities designed to promote well-being for those who want to remain a part of the community but can no longer manage independently. Adult day care may be a good choice if the patient:

• Experiences difficulty performing daily living activities
• Has trouble processing thoughts or recognizing familiar surroundings
• Deals with memory problems
• Should not be left alone for an extended period

In choosing an adult day care center, consider the available physical and occupational therapies, opportunities to socialize, healthcare monitoring, and personal care services from which your family member may benefit. Some adult day care centers provide transportation to and from the center, caregiver support services, and health monitoring services.

For more information about adult day care:

National Adult Day Services Association

When your family member’s needs are constant and you are beginning to feel overwhelmed, it may be time to consider home care services. Think about the level of care and number of hours needed, and then contact your insurance company to see what home care benefits might be covered in your policy.

Start by asking the patient’s healthcare team and other people you know for home care provider recommendations. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential providers, here are some questions to ask them:

• How long have you been serving the community?
• Do you provide literature outlining your services and fees?
• How do you select and train your employees?
• What type of evaluation is done regarding the type of home care the patient will receive and who completes the evaluations?
• Do you provide the family with treatment and progress updates?
• How do you handle problems and emergencies?
• What sort of continuing education is provided for employees?
• Are background checks completed on caregivers before they are hired?
• Can you provide references?
• Do any of your caregivers specialize in working with brain tumor patients?

For more information about in-home care:

National Association for Home Care & Hospice National Agency Locator

For brain tumor patients who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), an assisted living facility can be a viable option. Your family member can enjoy as much independence as he or she can handle yet, at the same time, receive assistance with ADLs such as bathing, grooming, and eating.

Some assisted living facilities are only designed for those over age 65, while others have more age-flexible admissions policies. Most include nutritious meals, housekeeping services, transportation, and many social activities for an all-inclusive monthly fee.

For brain tumor patients who require a higher level of attention from a medical professional, a nursing home may be a good option. Nursing homes have medical staff available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. In some cases, patients will only stay in nursing homes for a few months to receive rehabilitative care.

Your primary goal is to find a facility that will offer a safe and supportive environment for your family member. Visit a few facilities with an appointment and also show up unexpectedly and ask to view the facility and interview the staff. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Is your facility able to accommodate your family member’s needs…not just now, but in the future?
• Where are the closest hospitals and other supportive services?
• Does your physician make regular rounds at the facility? What is the emergency procedure if your physician is not on-call?
• What types of conditions are accepted? Are you able to effectively care for residents who experience memory loss, impaired thinking abilities, or limited mobility?
• What is the schedule of activities that are open for residents and their families?
• Is your staff composed of licensed health care and rehabilitation specialists? Does any staff specialize in working with people who have brain tumors? What types of continuing education are provided to staff?
• What type of contract is required?
• What does the most recent state audit of the facility look like?

For more information about assisted living facilities and nursing homes:

U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Eldercare Locator

National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL)