About Adult Daycare Centers

The rapidly growing number of seniors and elderly is increasing demand for support services to this population. Many older men and women want to continue living in their own home or with family members and not move to assisted-living or other institutions. Adult day care offers an excellent alternative for socialization and special health-related services.

History of

• Adult day care centers originated in England throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Psychiatric facilities created them to lower the number of admissions to local hospitals. It was not until the 1970s that adult day care centers began opening in the United States. According to the National Adult Day Services Association, there are approximately 3,400 adult day care centers across the U.S. and 150,000 people participating. Most of these are run by non-profit organizations, but 22 percent are for-profit providers.

Function

• Adult day care centers fall into two primary categories. The first is called a "medical model," also sometimes called adult day health care. Centers in this category offer medical treatment; physical, occupational and speech therapy; and support for chronic illnesses from diabetes to Alzheimer's disease.
  Social, the second type of center model, provide a range of interactive activities, entertainment, peer support and recreation. Both the medical and social adult day care centers have the main goal of helping older adults remain independent, including from institutionalized health care. Even those participants who are living in institutions can spend time with companions during the day.

Benefits

• Through such adult day care centers, elderly men and women have the opportunity to obtain comprehensive health care and share time with others their age in a safe and supportive environment. Centers also offer benefits to participants' families and other caregivers. Taking care of aging relatives in one's home is a 24/7 responsibility, which is becoming increasingly difficult with the growing numbers of two-income families. Adult day care offers a secure option for the care of loved ones. It also provides caregivers with the respite they need to spend time on their own personal needs and with other family members.

The Facts

• The National Adult Day Services Association reports that 70 percent of these centers are run by larger organizations, such as home care agencies, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals or senior associations. The average age of the center participant care recipient is 72, and two-thirds of all adult day center care recipients are women.
  Thirty-five percent of adult day center care attendees reside with an adult child, 20 percent live with their spouse, and 13 percent with parents or other relatives. Eighteen percent stay in an institution, and 11 percent continue to live alone.
  The cost for adult day care services varies depending on the location, services offered and funding sources. The rate averages $61 per 8-to-10-hour day. This is compared to an average cost for home health aides of $19 per hour.

Expert Insight

• Each adult day care center offers different services and has a different culture. Similarly, no two participants have the same needs. When looking for a center for your family member, visit several in your area. Ask them similar questions, so you can compare the answers, and be sure to take a tour during a busy time to truly assess their capacity.
  Questions to ask include the following: Is the center licensed or certified, if required by your state? What is the ratio of participants to staff? What are the primary services offered? What is the average age and gender of attendees? What is the charge per day? Are there extra charges for other services? What hours is the center open? What about Saturdays and holidays? Is transportation available? If so, what is the cost? Who provides medical care?