What is Adult Day Care?

Taking It One Day At A Time

Adult day care centers provide care and companionship for seniors who need assistance or supervision during the day. The programs offered at such care facilities provide family members (or caregivers) the ability to go to work or handle personal business knowing their relative (or senior in their care) is well cared for and safe. Adult day care centers provide professional and compassionate services for adults in a community and program-based group setting. Services are designed to provide social and health services to adults who need supervised care in a safe place outside the home during the day.

Adult day care centers may stand alone or be located in senior centers, nursing facilities, churches or synagogues, hospitals, or schools. They generally operate during normal business hours, five days a week, Monday through Friday. Some programs offer services in the evenings and on weekends as well.

Features of Adult Day Care

Although each facility may differ in terms of features, the general services offered by most adult day care centers are:

  • Social activities
  • Transportation
  • Meals and snacks
  • Personal care
  • Therapeutic activities
  • Medication monitoring

Financial Matters

Costs vary among adult day centers, however, costs generally range from $25 a day to over $100 per day, depending on the services offered, type of reimbursement, and geographic region. While an adult day care center is not usually covered by Medicare, some financial assistance may be available through a federal or state program (e.g., Medicaid, Older Americans Act, Veterans Administration).

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of particular adult day care center, contact the adult day centers listed on AlternativesforSeniors.com and inquire. A friendly associate will gladly assist you.

Other types of senior care exist in addition to adult day care. There are independent living options, such as retirement communities and senior apartments; assisted living facilities, such as residential care, continuing care communities, nursing and rehab centers; hospice care and care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.