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Adult Day Services

Last Updated: April 2, 2013

Adult day centers are an important care option that keep families together and offer quality of life to both the caregiver and their loved one. When an elderly loved one needs additional care or supervision during the day, many families think that they have no choice but to quit their jobs. Others find that their health deteriorates as the stress of round-the clock caregiving prevents them from maintaining their own health. Or, families may think that placement in a facility is their only option.

Adult day services is a day program that supports caregivers in keeping their family members at home. It is a comprehensive program specially tailored for adults who need supervision and assistance during the day. Adult day services centers provide social activities and health care services for adults with physical disabilities and/or cognitive impairments, elders who are frail or may be lonely and need to be with people and participate in activities instead of sitting at home alone. People who attend an adult day services center usually live in their own home or in the home of a family caregiver. Centers are typically open 7am to 6pm Monday through Friday. Adult day services can improve the quality of life for those who attend and help each person function at their best.

Adult Day Services and Funding

Approximately thirty percent of adult day services participants pay privately for the services. Average daily fees range from $40 to $60 and include a wide range of services such as a personal care, therapeutic activities, nursing care, and delicious meals including a light breakfast, hot lunch, and an afternoon snack.

Besides these core services, many centers offer ancillary services, which may include: nursing, physical, speech or occupational therapy, podiatry, psychological services, audiology, oxygen, dentistry, beautician/barber, and massage therapy.

Adult day service centers are also designed to offer family support. They conduct caregiver support groups, offer education on topics such as managing difficult or confusing behaviors and safety in the home, provide counseling, and maintain contacts with community resources.

Elders attending adult day service centers are eligible for funding from a number of sources including Medicaid-waiver programs, Veteran's contracts and several Federal Entitlement programs. Guidelines for receiving these funds are different in every state. 

Are Adult Day Services For You?

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, Adult Day Services will benefit both you and your loved one.

• Do you worry about your loved one's safety at home while they are alone?
• Do you worry that your loved one is unhappy or bored sitting at home all day?
• Do you worry about the ongoing health of your loved one? Do they need assistance during the day to remember to properly take their medications or to eat healthy meals?
• Do you want help to be able to keep your loved one at home as long as possible?
• Does your loved one seem depressed?
• Does your loved one have no one to talk to?

Here's what some caregivers and participants have to say about their experience with adult day services.

"When my dad moved in with us due to his inability to live alone, I thought I was going to have to quit my job and stay home to care for him. But adult day has provided a safe, stimulating, and homelike environment. I continue to work and don't worry about my dad during those hours, thanks to adult day services. And the added benefit is that he has made new friends and loves attending."
Sandie W. 

"Coming to adult day has changed me so much. Before I was in a shell, but now I talk to everybody. My kids say the best thing I could have done is to come to the adult day center."
Betty H., Age 74

"I felt completely at ease leaving my husband in their care. He looked forward to Monday mornings and was anxious to get back after the weekend."
Margaret V.

Article provided by SarahCare® Adult Day Services, www.sarahcare.com