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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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.
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.
Social 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. |
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) 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. |
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care 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. |
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:
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.
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a facility for a loved one to visit.
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"
Learn more about Adult Day Care Centers in these articles written by elder care experts and experienced caregivers.