Adult Day Care

About Adult Day Care

There are more than 4,000 adult day centers nationwide, offering services to more than 150,000 seniors. Such day care centers have been around for more than twenty years, but as the population ages, they are becoming more popular, particularly for specialized needs. Learning more about the different types of facilities and the services they offer can help interested patrons decide if this type of service center is right for their needs.

Types of Facilities

There are three principal types of adult day care centers:

• Health Centers: These facilities focus primarily on seniors with ongoing health needs, either from age, accidents, disease, or disability. Staffed by nurses, doctors, and trained volunteers, these centers can offer general health care such as medication dispensation, blood pressure screenings, vision acuity testing, and assistance with other basic health care needs.
• Therapeutic Centers: These day care facilities offer more intensive therapy treatments for seniors, particularly to help seniors adjust to or overcome disabilities from strokes, heart attacks, or physical ailments. Daily therapy sessions and unique treatments can help seniors overcome challenges in a friendly, open environment.
• Alzheimer’s Centers: These centers are specialized to focus on the unique needs of Alzheimer’s patients or seniors with similar dementia conditions. Carefully trained staff members not only help patients adjust to their new state of mind, but can offer support to family members as well.

Services Offered

Social activities are important components of senior care.

Each individual day center offers slightly different services based on their particular staff, the needs of the community, and the focus of the center. Basic services offered at most adult day care facilities include:

• Social activities such as games, crafts, art or music lessons, and continuing education courses.
• Nutritious meals and snacks individualized for specific dietary needs.
• Exercise classes personalized for individual levels of activity and ability.
• Counselors or support groups for family members and caregivers.
• Health screenings and monitoring for basic senior health concerns.

Specialized facilities naturally offer different services geared toward the unique clientele. When looking for a day center to cater to specific needs, consider consulting a physician, therapist, or senior community center director for recommendations.

Cost of Services

Approximately 80 percent of senior day care centers are non-profit organizations, but the costs of running the facilities can be substantial. Depending on the types of services needed and the size of the facility, costs range from $25-70 per day, which is significantly lower than the cost of a private home visit by a nurse or therapist. Medicare does not typically cover adult day care, but private insurance policies may be able to assist with the costs. Some centers also offer payment plans or financial aid to qualified seniors.

Benefits of Day Services

There are many benefits to choosing senior day care centers. They provide a social outlet for patients, allowing them to bond with other individuals with similar needs. At the same time, the centers give a respite to the caregivers, allowing them to work outside the home, run errands, or simply have time away from the demands of full-time care giving without the guilt of institutionalizing a loved one or leaving them in a less than ideal situation. Many cities, particularly those with aging populations, offer neighborhood facilities, providing a local resource as an alternative to extensive commuting to less welcoming facilities at a regional center or hospital.

Choosing an Adult Day Care Facility

The process of choosing a senior day care facility is just as meticulous as choosing a preschool for a child. Because the patient may be at the facility for several hours each day, it is important to find a center that is friendly, welcoming, and capable of meeting that individual’s care needs. When investigating day care centers, consider the following:

• Is the facility clean, free from unnecessary obstructions, and easily accessible?
• Do staff members regularly assess the changing needs of clients to offer personalized services?
• Are referrals available for additional services and treatments that the center does not provide?
• Are the days and hours of operation compatible with the patient and caregiver’s needs?
• Is the staff able to prepare meals and snacks for special dietary needs, or must food be provided?
• Is the center safe and secure, with precautions to prevent unauthorized visitors or accidents?
• Does the staff include necessary professionals such as therapists, dietitians, nurses, and counselors?
• Does the center comply with all state and national regulations for a senior care facility?

Most centers offer brochures, tours, and other information to prospective patients. Feel free to visit the facility, ask questions, and consult with a physician or therapist for a recommendation if desired.

For More Information

For more information about adult day care services and facilities including how to locate one in your area, contact the National Adult Day Services Association at 1-800-558-5301 or visit their website, www.nadsa.org.

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