Adult day care services: A safe, enjoyable place for a loved one during the day.

Caring for an aging loved one can bring deep satisfaction, knowing you’re making a difference in their life. At the same time, balancing this commitment with personal responsibilities has its challenges. Adult day service centers offer a wonderful, supportive solution, providing weekday care for older adults who need extra supervision and assistance. These centers bring peace of mind to families while enhancing the lives of participants in a safe, welcoming environment.

What are adult day care centers?

Adult day care centers offer an opportunity for your loved one to get out of the house, socialize and engage in purposeful activities. Not only is there supervision to make seniors feel safe, they are part of a caring community that celebrates who they are, giving them a sense of purpose and overall well-being. Meanwhile, family members can go about their day with confidence, knowing their loved one is in great hands.

As they typically follow a structured schedule, you’ll need to arrange attendance at adult day care centers in advance. Regular visits provide consistency, which is helpful for many seniors, as routine often offers comfort, particularly for those with cognitive impairments. Most attendees follow a regular schedule, whether it’s a few hours a week, a single day each week or every weekday. Some centers even extend their hours into the evening or offer weekend services, allowing for flexibility to accommodate your family’s specific needs.

What to look for in an adult day care center.

These centers are tailored to the interests and needs of each person. Many offer engaging activities like art, music and light exercise that are adapted for those with emotional or mobility issues. Programs are designed to uplift and stimulate, helping participants feel more connected and joyful.

Practical needs often met at the centers include:

• Lunch and snacks
• Transportation to and from the facility
• Occupational, speech or physical therapy
• Medication reminders and administration if needed
• Personal care assistance

What should you ask when considering adult day care centers?

Here is a list of questions to ask providers when researching adult day care centers:

• Does the center provide activities that meet your loved one’s interests?
• Do you have activities for those with mobility needs?
• Are meals included, and do you accommodate special dietary restrictions?
• What kind of personal care assistance is offered?
• Do you offer medication management assistance?
• Do you offer transportation to and from the center?
• What are the qualifications of the staff?
• What are the staffing ratios?

While adult day care centers are an amazing resource, they may not be ideal for everyone. Individuals in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or with complex medical needs may need a higher level of care than the center can provide. If you’re unsure, reach out to the center’s staff to assist you in determining whether it is the right match for your loved one.

How much does adult day care cost?

According to a 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, adult day care costs can range from $95 to $400 per day.
The following factors can affect cost:

• Geographic region - Urban areas tend to be more expensive than rural areas.
• Care level required - Individuals needing more intensive care will likely have higher daily costs.
• Facility amenities - Amenities like onsite therapy, specialized programming and transportation can increase the price.

Does Medicare cover adult day care?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover senior day care, but some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid programs and veterans’ health care may offer the benefit. Additionally, if the day care center offers mental health treatments like therapy or counseling, Medicare may cover them. Checking with the provider is the best route.

What are the requirements for opening an adult day care?

For those interested in opening an adult day care center, specific requirements will vary by location and may include:

• Obtaining a state-specific license or certification
• Complying with local building codes
• Hiring qualified staff and conducting background checks
• Establishing agreements with local Area Agencies on Aging to access funding and referrals
• Building must meet health and safety standards

Adult day care vs. permanent residential options.

Adult day care centers are ideal for individuals who live with caregivers or family members who may need respite or who work outside the home. They provide a safe and enriching environment without a full-time commitment.

Permanent residential options, such as independent living, assisted living or memory care, provide 24/7 care and are suited for individuals who require a higher level of assistance with daily activities, medical support or monitoring.

Senior communities provide a number of benefits, including:

• A stable, secure environment
• Emergency care if needed
• Maintenance-free living
• Nutritious meals
• Transportation
• Wellness and social programs
• Daily face-to-face communication
• The opportunity to build friendships
• A sense of community

American House offers short-term stays through our respite care services.

When your loved one experiences an unexpected transition, American House offers respite care which allows them to relax in a place for the short term that offers peace of mind and the healing comforts of home. These short stays are a great way to get to know our American House communities!

Visit an American House near you and join in on our scheduled activities!

At American House, our residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle that offers chef-prepared meals served restaurant style, engaging activities and festive events where they meet new people and create rich friendships. We invite you to visit a community near you to meet our dedicated team and enjoy activities with our residents. Let’s do lunch or happy hour!