Use of Adult Day Services: Improving the Lives of Family Caregivers

In the United States, dementia affects an estimated 5.8 million Americans, and this number is expected to rise to nearly 14 million by 2050 (Alzheimers Dement 2020;16:391–460). Most of these future 14 million Americans will receive care from a family member. As practitioners in post-acute and long-term care, we are already aware of the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease on caregivers and their emotional, physical, psychological, and financial difficulties. Family caregivers may be responsible for total dementia care support, which limits their social activities, increases their social isolation, decreases their leisure activities, and adds to family distress (Am Fam Physician 2000;62:2613–2622).