IN West County Winter 2016 | Page 26

SPECIAL SECTION: SENIOR LIVING
• 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
© Helpguide.org. Helpguide.org is a trusted nonprofit guide to mental health and
well-being.

24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West County