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Adult Day Care

 

Adult day care is one of the best options for adult caregivers who are in need of regular respite care in order to return to the workforce, relax, and see to errands, appointments, and other responsibilities. Adult day programs also provide seniors with valuable opportunities for socialization, recreation and engagement in a safe environment. This is an affordable alternative to placing an aging loved one in assisted living or other long-term care facilities.

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Find Adult Day Care

To find Adult Day Care near you, search the AgingCare.com Adult Day Care Directory. Have a Care Advisor assist your family with making arrangements. This service is provided free of charge.

To speak with a Care Advisor, call (888) 848-5698.

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Adult Day Care Services

Although services may vary, an adult day center will typically provide meals, recreational activities, transportation to and from the center, and general health-related services for older adults. Each participant is able to select which activities and services they would like to enjoy, depending on their interests and how they are feeling from day to day. Staff supervision is also central to these services in order to ensure the safety of the participants.

There are three general types of adult day care available.

Types of Adult Day Care

This is the least intensive type of adult day care and is best for individuals who are relatively independent, but could use supervised enrichment activities to improve their quality of life. Senior activities might include arts and crafts, local outings, games, discussion groups, musical entertainment, and fitness programs like chair yoga or tai chi. Staff can assist with activities of daily living and are usually able to provide medication reminders, but they cannot administer them.

ADHC provides social and health services to older adults with serious medical conditions who require skilled nursing care from a registered nurse (RN) or therapy services for rehabilitation purposes. Participants typically need to undergo a medical assessment and establish a care plan prior to admission to the program. Properly licensed staff are able to administer medications and provide occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy to participants. Health screening services and case management may also be included.

This is the most specialized type of adult day program and it is tailored to meet the unique mental, social and physical needs of individuals with cognitive impairment and memory loss. Staff are specially trained in dementia care and provide activities that are appropriate for the participants’ functional abilities.

How to Pay for Adult Day Care

Unfortunately, original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover day care for seniors, but there are other options available to help families pay for these services. Consider the following sources:

Daily Adult Day Care Costs Near You

Adult day care costs may vary depending on how each facility is funded and the level and hours of care required. Costs are usually assessed by the day, but some centers may provide half-day or hourly options. Be sure to ask if any financial assistance is available as well. Many providers offer services on a sliding scale, which takes an individual’s income and ability to pay into account when determining fees.

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Choosing an Adult Day Care Center

There are a number of things to consider when selecting a facility for a loved one to visit.

  1. Level of Care and Special Needs Requirements: Consider your loved one’s typical daily routine and then ask the prospective care facility if they can accommodate it. For instance, is your loved one incontinent? Do they have any behavioral problems? Do they wander? Do they have special dietary requirements?
  2. Location and Transportation: Try to find senior centers that are easily accessible. If your loved one will need door-to-door transportation services, ask if this is available and whether it is included or involves an additional charge.
  3. Licensing: Regulations for these facilities vary by state. See if your state requires licensure and/or periodic surveys and make sure your prospects have met any and all necessary protocols.
  4. Get Connected with a Care Advisor. Our experienced Care Advisors will assist your family with making day care arrangements. This service is provided free of charge. To speak with a Care Advisor, call (888) 848-5698.
  5. Hours and Costs: What are the facility’s days and hours of operation? Is care available during evenings or on weekends? Do they charge by the full day, or are there other options? Do they offer any financial assistance?
  6. Staff Credentials and Ratios: Staffing ratios are very important in care settings where supervision is crucial. Look for higher credentials and lower staff to participant ratios in centers providing medical services and specialized dementia care.
  7. Activities and Amenities: When selecting any type of care for a loved one, keep their interests and ability levels in mind. If they tire easily, make sure the center provides a quiet area where residents can rest. If they have a passion for music and gardening, see if these activities or adaptations are offered.

To see a full list of questions to ask and things to look for in an adult day care facility, see "How to Pick an Adult Day Center"

Featured Articles

Learn more about Adult Day Care Centers in these articles written by elder care experts and experienced caregivers.