Early on, when we see our aging parents needing help that we can't offer, we often encourage home maintenance help, and eventually in-home care for health issues. The next step is often one of finding stimulating company for an elder, freeing a well-spouse of the elder to go to work, or have time with friends, and providing another resource for backup care. Adult day care can be very good at filling this gap.

Spouses and children of people who have been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease often feel neglected by forums, chat groups and even in-person support groups. It's easy to see why, since our greatest risk of developing Alzheimer's disease comes with age. However, there are legions of people who care for spouses or parents who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in their forties or even younger. Adult day care can be a good option for these younger folks, too.

Numerous studies show that humans are social creatures and too much isolation can have a negative effect on mental and physical health. Lonely elders are abundant in our society. Though we may not always succeed, we caregivers need to do what we can to encourage them to get out and socialize.