Adult day centers provide a planned program that includes a variety of health, social and support services in a protective setting during daytime hours. Below are some suggestions for choosing the right adult day center for you or your loved one.
Step 1 – Determine your needs
What specific services are important to the person using the center?
- A safe, secure environment?
- Social activities?
- Assistance with daily living skills – walking, eating, taking medications, bathing?
- Therapies – physical, speech, occupational, nursing?
- Health monitoring – blood pressure, blood sugar levels, food/liquid intake, weight?
- Nutritious meals and/or snacks? Special diet?
- Exercise programming?
- Specialized care such as dementia care or TBI care?
What do you, the caregiver need?
- Occasional free time?
- Coverage while working?
- Transportation for your loved one?
- Assistance in planning care?
Step 2 – Locate an adult day center
- View centers in NADSA’s Database: http://www.nadsa.org/
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (800-677-1116)
- Contact your state’s Adult Day Services Association
- Ask at a local senior center or organization serving persons with developmental disabilities (as applicable)
- Use a search engine to locate a center and review center websites
Step 3 – Make an appointment to visit the center(s)
Step 4 – Know what to ask during your visit
- How many years has the center been in operation?
- Does the center have a license, certification and/or accreditation?
- What are the hours of operation?
- Are transportation services offered?
- What is the cost?
- Hourly or daily charge, other charges?
- What type of payments are accepted?
- Is financial assistance available?
- Is specialized care provided for conditions such as memory loss or TBI?
- What is the staff/ participant ratio?
- What kind of training does staff receive?
- Do participants have access to services such as physical or occupational therapy?
- What type of activities are provided?
- Are meals and/or snacks provided? Dietary assistance?
Step 5 – Check references
- Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are considering. Ask for their opinion.
Step 6 – Try it out
- Select a day center and give it a try for a few days.
- Keep in mind that it often takes several visits for a new participant to feel comfortable in a new setting and routine. Staff may have suggestions for making the transition easier both at home and at the center.
Step 7 – Take care of yourself
- Relax knowing your loved one is being well cared for. Always feel free to check in with the center and ask questions. They are there to help you!
