Senior Daycare Regulations

Adult daycare centers provide places for people to take senior citizens with mental or physical disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease, that hinder them from taking care of themselves. These centers keep seniors for the day, allowing family or friends to work or run errands. States have differing regulations on how to open and maintain senior day care facilities.

Significance

• Adult daycare centers often assist seniors, providing for their health, nutritional, social and personal care needs. State regulations require adult daycare centers have daily snacks and social activities for elderly people, and also assist people with taking care of personal needs such as using the bathroom, eating or taking medicine.

Certification and Licensing

• To open and operate adult daycare centers, people or organizations have to receive state licenses or certifications. Many states require potential licensees to pay license fees. State organizations provide annual inspections of adult daycare centers to make sure they comply with state laws.

Structure

• Some states require adult daycare centers to have governing boards to ensure the centers adhere to state regulations. Governing boards or authorities are also required to check into the backgrounds of potential employees, especially nurses or physicians. Most states require adult daycare centers have medical and social areas where seniors can get medical attention or play games, respectively.

Emergencies

• State organizations governing adult daycare centers often require the facilities to have plans in place in case of emergency situations, such as an injury or a health problem with a senior citizen. State laws often require staff members have training in handling emergency situations, such as administering medicine to patients.