{"id":11346,"date":"2014-04-02T03:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-04-02T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reutheshel.org.il\/%d7%9e%d7%94%d7%95-%d7%9e%d7%a8%d7%9b%d7%96-%d7%99%d7%95%d7%9d\/?lang=en"},"modified":"2021-11-14T10:55:12","modified_gmt":"2021-11-14T08:55:12","slug":"what-is-a-daycare-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reutheshel.org.il\/en\/what-is-a-daycare-center\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Daycare Center?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Daycare Center is a community service provided by a multi-professional staff within a caregiving and social framework.\u00a0 It provides a wide range of services and activities for elderly individuals.\u00a0 The program is tailored personally to each participant according to his or her needs, abilities and wishes.<\/p>\n

The difference between seniors\u2019 clubs and \u00a0daycare centers for the elderly<\/a><\/h2>\n

Both daycare centers and seniors\u2019 clubs serve elderly individuals living at home. However, unlike clubs, \u00a0daycare centers target persons whose functions have deteriorated and as a result \u00a0find it difficult to run their households and\/or care for themselves. Both clubs and daycare centers offer social activities, but centers tend to emphasize the care aspect – meals, bathing, help in feeding etc., as needed. Clubs, on the other hand, place an emphasis on social and occupational activities, mostly targeting independent seniors.<\/p>\n

Who benefits from a daycare center?<\/a><\/h2>\n

Daycare centers for the elderly generally target:<\/p>\n

– Elderly people who are living in the community and have functional \u00a0difficulies.<\/p>\n

– Elderly people who are eligible for the Long-Term Care Insurance <\/a>Law of Bituach Leumi.<\/p>\n

– Elderly people who need a supportive social environment, but rarely leave their homes due to problems in mobility.<\/p>\n

There is also a solution for elderly individuals who suffer from reduced cognitive abilities (difficulties in memory and orientation) in specialized day centers.<\/p>\n

The population which benefits from the services of daycare centers is diverse and heterogeneous in many ways: culturally, ethnically, financially and academically. Daycare centers try to provide a wide range of activities and services, in order to meet all needs, tastes and wishes.<\/p>\n

Available services<\/a><\/h2>\n

Transportation from home to the center and back<\/p>\n

Hot meals (breakfast and lunch)<\/p>\n

Social and cultural activities<\/p>\n

Lectures, classes, arts and crafts, tours and parties<\/p>\n

Individual care including: showering, changing adult diapers, help with eating (as needed)<\/p>\n

Services of a social worker<\/p>\n

Health counseling and guidance by a nurse<\/p>\n

Supervision (in centers for the mentally frail).<\/p>\n

How to register<\/a><\/h2>\n

To sign up for a day center, contact the social services in your municipality or local authority. In some cases, however, you may apply directly to the daycare center near your home, and they will guide you through the process.<\/p>\n

It is advisable to arrange a trial day at the daycare center.\u00a0 On this day, you will be able to participate in various activities in order to test the available services, including meals, and get a close-up impression of the staff.\u00a0 Through this trial you can check if the daycare center is right for your personal needs.<\/p>\n

Bring a letter from your family doctor, describing your medical and functional condition, and specifying any medicatuon you may be taking. People suffering from memory problems must present a specialist\u2019s \u00a0psychogeriatric diagnosis. An ID card and photo are also required.<\/p>\n

Following this trial day the staff will meet with you to set up \u00a0a suitable personal program and schedule.<\/p>\n

Days and hours of activity<\/a><\/h2>\n

Most daycare centers are open Sunday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Some daycare centers are open six days a week (including Friday),\u00a0 and some stay open until 4:00 or even 7:00 \u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n

Paying for a daycare center<\/a><\/h2>\n

People who are entitled to the Long-Term Care benefit from Bituach Leumi \u00a0may opt for a daycare center<\/a> instead of home care, based on the following:<\/span><\/p>\n