This guide will help you in your search for quality, community Adult Day Services. You may wish to take a copy of it with you when you interview potential providers.
Adult Day Centers provide a planned program that includes a variety of health, social and support services in a protective setting during daytime hours. This is a community-based service designed to meet the individual needs of functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults.
Step 1. Determine Your Needs
What specific services are important to the person attending?
- A safe, secure environment?
- Social activities?
- Assistance with eating, walking, toileting, medicines?
- Therapies – physical, speech, occupational?
- Health monitoring – blood pressures, food or liquid intake, weight?
- Nutritious meals and snacks?
- Special diet?
- Exercise?
- Mental stimulation?
- Personal care – bathing, shampoos, shaving?
What do you, the caregiver, need?
- Occasional free time?
- Coverage while working?
- Transportation?
- Support?
- Assistance in planning for care?
Step 2. Find Adult Day Centers
Identify services in your area. For names and phone numbers of the adult day centers, try the following:
- Search online using keywords such as “Adult Day Care,” “Aging Services,” and “Senior Citizen Services.”
- Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) by calling the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or on the web at www.eldercare.gov.
- A senior center
- Your family doctor
- Your EAP
Step 3. Call First
Call adult day centers and ask for a flier or brochure, eligibility criteria, a monthly activity calendar, a monthly menu, and application procedures.
Step 4. Know What to Ask
Look for the following information in the material received:
- Owner or sponsoring agency
- Years of operation
- License or certification if required in your state
- Hours of operation
- Days open
- Transportation
- Cost – hourly or daily charges, other fees, financial assistance
- Conditions accepted such as memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence
- Staff credentials
- Number of staff per participant
- Activities provided – is there variety and choice of individual and group activities?
- Menu – appealing, well balance
Step 5. Pay a Visit
After reviewing materials, make an appointment to visit two or more centers that might meet your needs.
The following list will help you decide which day center is the right one for you.
Site Visit Checklist
Yes / No | Did you feel welcomed?
Yes / No | Did someone spend time finding out what you want and need?
Yes / No | Did someone clearly explain what services and activities the center provides?
Yes / No | Did they present information about staffing, program procedures, costs, and what they expect of caregivers?
Yes / No | Was the facility clean, pleasant, and free of odor?
Yes / No | Were the building and rooms wheelchair accessible?
Yes / No | Was there sturdy, comfortable furniture?
Yes / No | Did the facility have loungers for relaxation? Chairs with arms?
Yes / No | Is there a quiet place for conferences?
Yes / No | Is there a place to isolate sick persons?
Yes / No | Did you see cheerful faces on staff and participants?
Yes / No | Do volunteers help?
Yes / No | Are participants involved in planning activities or making other suggestions?
Step 6. Check References
Check references. Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are considering. Ask for their opinion.
Step 7. Try It Out
Select a day center. Try it for three to five days. It sometimes takes several visits for new participants to feel comfortable in a new setting and with a new routine. If you have questions or are experiencing any problems, ask for a conference. Staff may have suggestions to make the transition easier both at home and at the day center.
Step 8. Take Care of Yourself
Relax. Your loved one is being well cared for. Remember, your loved one may not be able to recall all the activities enjoyed during the day. The staff will gladly provide the missing details. The day center staff is there for you, too. Ask for:
- Tips to make caregiving easier
- Additional resources available in the community
