Adult daycare centers provide a valuable service to families with elderly loved ones who live at home. Adult children who work take their elderly relatives to these centers for the care and supervision they need during the workday. Sadly, abuse can and does occur in adult daycare centers, as it does in nursing homes.
There are three basic types of adult daycare:
These facilities may provide a variety of activities and services, including:
- Assistance with daily activities, such as walking, eating, taking medications, and toileting
- Preparation of meals and snacks
- Exercise programs
- Social activities
- Arts and crafts
- Educational programs and mental stimulation
- Physical, speech, or occupational therapy
- Counseling
- Transportation services
Regulation of Adult Daycare Centers in New Mexico
Adult daycare centers in the U.S. are regulated at the state level. As stated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), New Mexico requires these centers to be licensed, but not by levels of care. Daycare centers for older adults in New Mexico are licensed as “adult day care facilities.” Staffing requirements under state regulations are one staff member to every five participants.
Who Works at Adult Daycare Centers?
Most staff in adult daycare facilities are not nurses or medical professionals. Typically, staff in these centers consists of:
- Program staff who organize activities
- Assistants who provide personal care
- Supervisors or directors
- Social workers
- Registered nurses
- Bus or van drivers
Elder Abuse in Adult Daycare Centers
Seniors in adult daycare are at risk for all types of elder abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. When adult daycare centers are understaffed, caregivers become stressed and exhausted, and abuse is more likely to occur. Abusive treatment may include:
- Yelling and intimidation
- Insults, humiliation, and name-calling
- Slapping, pushing, punching, or kicking
- Pinching or scratching
- Unwanted sexual contact
- Forced isolation from the group
- Neglect
Some abuse is unintentional, since most of the staff are not medical professionals: they lack the training to care for older adults, particularly those with dementia. But this can result in negligent care, which causes injury or has adverse health effects on older people, and that is not acceptable.
You can help protect your elderly loved one by being alert. Speak with daycare workers to determine their level of compassion for older participants. Talking with regular employees frequently to stay informed about occurrences and daily activities, and ensure that you do not miss any signs of abuse.
What Can Be Done About Suspected Adult Daycare Abuse?
If you suspect abuse is occurring, remove your loved one from the adult daycare. Find a different provider or make other arrangements for your elderly loved one. Get prompt medical attention for any injuries or health conditions. Then, consult with an experienced attorney regarding your options under the law.
At Sorey & Hoover, LLP, we focus our practice exclusively on personal injury matters, such as elder abuse. We provide personal, client-centered legal services that address your family’s specific needs.
If you suspect your elderly loved one has been abused at an Albuquerque adult daycare center, call our New Mexico nursing home abuse lawyers as soon as possible at (903) 230-5600.
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Longview and Gregg County when you contact us at (903) 230-5600.
