For the participant , an adult day care center ’ s benefits can be extensive :
• A safe , secure environment in which to spend the day
• Enjoyable and educational activities
• Improvement in mental and physical health
• Enhanced or maintained level of independence
• Socialization and peer support
• Nutritious meals and snacks
Is an adult day care center right for my loved one ?
Good candidates for adult day care centers are seniors who :
• Can benefit from the friendship and functional assistance a day care center offers
• May be physically or cognitively challenged but do not require 24-hour supervision
• Are in the early stages of Alzheimer ’ s disease
• Are mobile , with the possible assistance of a cane , walker , or wheelchair
• Are continent ( in most cases )
Finding the right adult day care center for your family ’ s needs
The National Adult Day Services Association ( NADSA ) recommends you start by asking yourself what specific services both the senior adult and the caregiver need most . For the day care participant , are social activities primary ? Assistance with walking , eating or medications ? Mental stimulation ? Exercise ? As a caregiver , is support what you need most ? Some free time ? Help with transportation ? Answering these questions will help you determine which of the three main types of adult day care centers ( social , healthfocused , and Alzheimer ’ s / dementia oriented ) will best serve you .
Where to locate adult day care centers
For assistance in finding local centers , you can try :
• Your family doctor
• Local social services or health department
• Mental health centers
• Local senior center
• Area Agency on Aging in the U . S . ( Call 1.800.677.1116 for the AAA in your area .)
• Yellow Pages listings under Adult Day Care , Aging Services , Senior Citizens ’ Services , and similar categories
Questions to ask an adult day care center provider When you contact the adult day care center ( s ) you ’ ve chosen to consider , NADSA suggests asking the following questions :
• Who owns or sponsors the adult day care center ?
• How long has it been operating ?
• Is it licensed or certified ( if required in your country or state )?
• What are the days and hours of operation ?
• Is transportation to and from the adult day care center provided ?
• Which conditions are accepted ( e . g ., memory loss , limited mobility , incontinence )?
• What are the staff ’ s credentials , and what is the ratio of staff to participants ?
• What activities are offered ? Are there a variety of individual and group programs ?
• Are meals and snacks included ? Are special diets accommodated ?
Visiting an adult day care center
Spend a day at the adult day care center that sounds best to you , so you can get a “ feel ” for the people and the environment . Also , check out references . Talk to others who have used the adult day care center and ask for their opinions .
You may wish to try out different adult day care centers a few times each to see whether your experience on different days confirms your initial impressions . Be sure to bring the following site visit checklist with you each time .
Adult day care center site visit checklist :
• Did you feel welcome ?
• Were the center services and activities properly explained ?
• Were you given information regarding staffing , programming , and costs ?
• Is the facility clean , pleasant , and free of odor ?
• Is the building and site wheelchair accessible ?
• Is the furniture sturdy and comfortable ?
• Are there loungers and chairs with arms for relaxation ?
• Is there a quiet place in the center ?
• Did the staff and participants seem cheerful and comfortable ?
• Are participants involved in planning activities ?
Source : National Adult Day Services Association ( NADSA )
Costs and financial assistance for adult day care
In the U . S ., the average cost for an adult day care center is about $ 64 per day , depending on where you live and the services provided ( e . g ., meals , transportation , nursing supervision ). Professional health care services will mean higher fees . Many facilities offer services on a sliding fee scale , meaning that what you pay is based on your income and ability to pay .
While Medicare does not cover adult day care centers , Medicaid will pay most or all of the costs in licensed adult day health care settings and Alzheimer ’ s-focused centers for participants with very low income and few assets . Be sure to ask about financial assistance and possible scholarships .
Private medical insurance policies sometimes cover a portion of adult day care center costs when licensed medical professionals are involved in the care . Long-term care insurance may also pay for adult day services , depending on the policy . Additionally , dependent-care tax credits may be available to the caregiver . n
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