Day centre or care home: which is the best option?

My father still manages at home during the day, but he's alone and I work. I don't know if a day centre is enough or if I should already be thinking about a care home. How do I decide between the two?

Wanting the best for your father while balancing work is a difficult act, and it's normal to hesitate. The good news is that there are intermediate solutions, and it's not always necessary to jump straight to a care home.

Why it happens

Day centres and residential care homes (ERPI) cater to different levels of dependency. A day centre provides care during the day, and the person returns home; a care home offers permanent care. The choice depends on safety at home and the support available.

Practical strategies

• A day centre usually makes sense when there is someone at home at night and the person is safe outside those hours.
• Combine a day centre with home care support for meals and hygiene.
• Consider a care home when needs become 24-hour or there are nighttime risks.
• Evaluate costs, transport, and your father's routine before deciding.
• Enquire at Social Security and the Social Charter about services in your area.

What NOT to do

• Do not leave your father alone for many hours if there are already risks with gas, falls, or wandering.
• Do not view a day centre as a definitive solution; needs change as the illness progresses.

When to seek professional help

Your GP can help assess the degree of dependency. Social Security (300 502 502) and the Social Charter can provide information on services and subsidies in your area.

"The day centre was the perfect solution for two years. My father socialised, and I worked with peace of mind. When it was no longer enough, I was more prepared for the next step." — Anonymous carer