Most adult day care services charge by the hour, while others charge a monthly rate. Daily fees average about $56, according to the National Adult Day Services Association. Some adult day care centers charge an additional fee for transportation, while some offer it free.
Costs vary depending on geographic location, the type of program the caregiver chooses, and how many hours the elderly parent uses it. Most programs are nonprofits, which may cost less than for-profit programs. Caregivers should ask if a center offers a sliding scale of fees based on income.
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Unfortunately, most insurance plans don't cover these costs. Elders or their family members must pay all costs not covered by insurance
Does Medicare Cover Adult Day Care?
Medicare covers medical care for elders with Alzheimer's, but does not cover non-medical-related custodial care, which is most of what adult day care provides.
Adult day are may be covered by Medicaid, long-term-care insurance, or Veterans Administration policies. Medicare will not cover adult daycare services.
State Medicaid programs may pay for health care that is provided in state-licensed facilities, including therapy services, mental health services, administration of medications, psychological evaluations, dressing of wounds, and assistance with feeding, according to Medicare.gov.
Most often, people pay out of their own pockets for these programs. Ask if a ''sliding scale'' of fees is available, which means that the amount that participants pay is based on their income.
More Information About Adult Day Care
for Alzheimer's and Dementia
To find an adult day care center near you, visit the Find an Adult Day Care Center in AgingCare's directory.
To find out more about the specific adult day care centers where you live, contact your local area agency on aging (AAA). The Elder care Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging (at 1-800-677-1116 or http://www.eldercare.gov/) can help connect you to these agencies.
The National Adult Day Services Association is another good source for general information about adult day care centers and programs. They can help you link to a state adult day care association. It can be reached by calling the toll-free telephone number 1-866-890-7357 or http://www.nadsa.org/.