Parents know that the parenting job doesn’t end when your child turns 18. This holds especially true for parents with special needs children. These parents know that their child will likely be dependent on their care for the rest of their lives.
When special needs children are young, it is easier for parents to find daily care options and support systems within the school system. As these children age out of the schooling system, many parents suddenly find themselves with far fewer options than they had when their child was young. If your child continues to need daily support after he/she turns 18, check out these care options.
Care Options for Your Adult Child with Special Needs
– Family members – The first and least expensive form of daily care is family member care. Many adult children continue to live at home with their family members acting as their primary caregivers for the rest of their lives. As many as 76% of people with development disabilities live at home with their family. It is estimated that the average age of the adult child living at home is 38 with their caregiver family member aged 60 or older.
– Home health aides and personal caretakers – These professionals are great to have if your child has an increased level of need and you are unable to care for them 24/7. These home aids are trained to care for your child while you take a break to run errands or work. However, this option can be quite costly and it might take a while to find a caretaker that will be a good match for you and your child.
– Adult Day Care – Also known as ‘day programs,’ adult care facilities care for your child during the day. This is a great option for parents with children who need daily assistance but they still work and cannot be there all the time. This is also an excellent choice to go for after your child is no longer in school, as these adult day care programs typically run during school hours and later. This option is also typically the most affordable for parents looking for inexpensive, quality care for their child. Nevada Adult Day Healthcare is a Las Vegas adult day care program with centers located across the valley. Nevada Adult Day Healthcare centers are open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
– Long-term care facilities – Some adult children with special needs will require 24/7 support from trained staff and healthcare professionals. In these cases, some parents feel more comfortable leaving their child in a live-in, long-term care facility. This option can also be quite costly, so definitely shop around for the best facility at the best price before committing your child long-term.
Being a parent with a special needs child is a never ending job for most. But it is the job we love because they are our children, and they deserve the best. Your child’s abilities and your budget will affect what the best care option is after they turn 18. Evaluate your best options and plan ahead as you and your child’s needs change over time.
In the meantime, call on Nevada Adult Day Healthcare if you have additional questions about adult day care options in Las Vegas.
