How many program staff are there per client in PSGDC Adult Day programs?
In our programs the average ratio is one staff per four clients. For all aspects of our Adult Day program, PSGDC follows guidelines set by the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA). Often our standards exceed the guidelines; in this case DFTA requires one staff per seven clients. On each of our vans, besides the driver, there is always at least one escort to sit with clients and help them on and off the van and to and from their door.

What do I do about a parent with Alzheimer's who is up all night and sleeps most of the day?
This behavior, called "sun-downing", is not uncommon with persons with Alzheimer's and can be very stressful for caregivers. Some tips include: keep the person as active as possible during the day (attend adult day center, get appropriate physical exercise); keep the evening meal light and avoid caffeinated drinks and avoid situations that could increase agitation during evening hours. See a doctor if there might be a medical problem that is causing sleeplessness, but be wary of drugs that can increase confusion and lead to falls.

If the behavior persists or worsens, consider hiring help-even occasionally-so that you, the caregiver, can get regular sleep. In addition, there are some Adult Day Centers that are adding evening hours; PSGDC does not have this service at this time, but we may be able to refer families to an appropriate program.

What programs help pay for home care and Adult Day Services?
Medicare and Medicaid are usually the first places to look:
For Medicare, an individual must be confined to his home and required skilled nursing or rehabilitation services. While there no financial criteria for eligibility, combined health care services, including a home health aide, generally do not exceed 35 hours per week.

Medicaid has financial criteria, but is less restrictive regarding the type of care needed. Medicaid can be accessed by persons who may just need assistance with some activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, but Medicaid recipients also can receive full-time, daily care. Medicaid recipients may also be eligible for Adult Day Services.

Learn about applying for Medicaid as soon as there is possibility that someone might need long-term care. There are financial considerations and strategies for protecting assets that require advance planning. Please contact us for more information about these two programs and where to go for help to apply for needed services.

Two other programs offer assistance to caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Contact these programs for information and an application:

Caregiver's Assistance Program,
Department for the Aging,
2 Lafayette Street,
New York, NY 10007-1392,
(212) 442-3175

Minna Pollock Respite Fund,
Alzheimer's Association, NYC Chapter,
360 Lexington Ave, 5th Floor,
New York, NY 10017,
(212) 983-0700