Adult day centers (ADCs) offer services directed at older adults with physical or cognitive impairments. They offer a planned, professional day care program that promotes social and health well-being. The center may be privately or publicly owned, not-profit or for-profit. According to the National Adult Day Services Association, there are over 4,000 adult day care centers across the United States.
There are essentially three types of ADCs:
- Adult Day Social Care – provides opportunities for social engagement through planned activities, meals and recreational opportunities
- Adult Day Health Services – provides social opportunities with medical services like medical monitoring and therapies through licensed health professionals
- Dementia Specific Adult Day Care – provides social and health services specifically to older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias in what are typically secure (locked) environments
The elder may benefit from:
- Social engagement with peers
- Delayed admission to a long-term care facility
- Personal care assistance: bathing, toileting, etc.
- Medical monitoring and therapies
- Appropriate exercise activities
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Planned activities
The caregiver may benefit from:
- The ability to work full or part-time
- Respite from caregiving demands
- Cost effective care
- Support groups and counseling
In most cases the person attending must be able to ambulate on his/her own (not wheelchair bound). If the individual will have the adult day care costs covered by private insurance or a public benefit, he/she must be assessed to qualify for the service.
For more information visit the National Adult Day Services Association. To find an Adult Day Center near you, contact your Area Agency on Aging through the Resources by State page.