Many adult day care centers treat Alzheimer's patients and other elderly participants like children, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America in Boston. .

Researchers looked at data from five adult day centers -- attended by many Alzheimer patients -- that included 220 hours of in-depth observations and 25 client interviews. Analysis of the data determined age appropriateness of activities, behaviors and environments while noting client participation.

Infantilization (exposure of adult patients to child-oriented treatment and environments) occurred at least occasionally in all five centers, but in two the problem was pervasive. Patients were subjected to nicknames, reprimands, child-oriented activities and décor, and had no privacy regulation, autonomy or choice. Interviews reflected patient resentment and withdrawal.

In contrast, centers that were age appropriate provided volunteer opportunities, autonomy, and client initiated interaction and privacy, which facilitated the formation of friendships between the participants.

Other sources: Gerontological Society of America