Many family caregivers begin with a heartfelt promise: “I will do everything I can to keep my loved one at home.” That promise comes from love. But it is often made before anyone understands how dementia may change over time—or how demanding caregiving can become. Even the most devoted spouse or adult child may begin to wonder whether everything they are doing is enough. They may watch their loved one spend much of the day sleeping, sitting alone, or watching television and think, There has to be something more. That “something more” can be found in a senior day program, one of the best-kept secrets in dementia care.
Day programs are so much more than a safe place for a person living with dementia to spend the day. They are places where people are known, valued, and encouraged to use the abilities they still have. Days are filled with music, movement, art, games, devotionals, conversation, and friendship. Participants are encouraged—but never forced—to take part.
“The goal is for each person to feel comfortable, successful, and connected, and with dignity at the center of every interaction, including personal care when it is needed,” says Heather Macchietto, Director of the James L. West Day Program in West Fort Worth. She adds that dedicated teams of caregivers make day programs possible by bringing patience, creativity, skill, and heart to their work every day. They see the person—not just the diagnosis. They learn what brings each participant joy, what helps them feel successful, and how to support the abilities that remain.
These teams create a place where participants can belong and families can feel confident their loved one is cared for with compassion and respect.
A senior day program can serve as an important bridge between home and residential care. It offers participants opportunities to stay active, use and maintain their abilities, build relationships, and experience a greater sense of purpose. It can also help reduce isolation and support emotional well-being. For family caregivers, regular respite provides dependable time to work, attend appointments, care for their own health, rest, or breathe. That time can help reduce stress and lower the risk of caregiver burnout. Families do not have to wait until they are exhausted or facing a crisis to explore support. Taking advantage of day services is not giving up—it is one way to protect the well-being of the entire family and create more room for positive moments together. People often ask why caregivers find fulfillment in working with older adults and people living with dementia. The answer is simple: They can see joy every day.
Dementia brings real challenges, but it does not mean every day has to be “doom and gloom.” There are still moments to enjoy, people to meet, and a full life to live.
“Day program caregivers report that there is nothing better than seeing someone unsure about attending begin to look forward to coming, ” Macchietto adds.
She recalls one gentleman whose family had understandably been focused on everything that had changed. Then, they had an opportunity to see what remained..
“His family was surprised to see him use the abilities he still had to lead the group in prayer and help another participant join a card game,” she says.
Day program caregivers experience moments of joy throughout the day as they see a smile, a connection, a short conversation, or someone discovering that they still have something important to contribute.
National Adult Day Services Week has recognized the value of adult day services since 1983 and was reaffirmed by presidential proclamation in 1988. This year, it will be observed September 20-26.
The observance also coincides with World Alzheimer’s Month, making September a meaningful time to remind families that support is available and that caring at home should not mean caring alone.
To continue this important conversation, the James L. West Senior Day Program and Home Care Services are hosting Dementia Care at Home: Support for Family Caregivers. This special Lunch and Learn will offer practical dementia-care strategies, information about recognizing caregiver burnout, and options that may help families support a loved one at home.
Macchietto invites the public to attend these luncheons on Tuesday, September 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Baptist Everman, and Friday, September 25, from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. at the Benbrook Community Center YMCA. The panel will include family caregivers navigating the caregiving journey, along with members of The West Center’s dedicated Senior Day Program and Home Care Services teams. Attendees will receive a complimentary lunch, and space is limited.
To RSVP, please call 817-541-5975, scan the QR code on the event flyer, or visit jameslwest.org/specialevent.
About the James L. West Center for Dementia Care
The James L. West Center for Dementia Care is a faith-inspired, not-for-profit organization providing compassionate care, education, and support for people living with dementia and those who care for them. Guided by a philosophy of comfort over cure, the Center focuses on maximizing remaining abilities and honoring dignity at every stage of the dementia journey.
About Heather Macchietto, MSDA, ADC/EDU, CADDCT, CDP
Heather Macchietto has served the ageing profession for 26 years, the past four at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care. She received advanced specialization, including a Master of Science in Dementia and Aging Studies. She also serves as an adjunct instructor in the Health Professions Department at Tarrant County College.
