Adult day care is an outpatient service designed to provide therapeutic activities and specialized care in a safe setting for adults who require support during the day. These care centers encourage guests to participate in activities meant to strengthen physical and mental functions while fostering social interaction among peers.
There are also centers that offer more specialized care and attention for individuals diagnosed with serious impairments or cognitive diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Read on to learn more about what adult day care is, the types of centers available and what specific services they provide.
What is adult day care?
Adult day care programs differ from other services by catering to individuals with disabilities or health conditions that require more hands-on care. Additionally, these programs provide family members or caretakers time to rest from caregiving responsibilities while their loved ones receive proper care.
Types of adult day care
Not all adult day care centers offer the same services and benefits. While some facilities focus on fun daily activities, games and outings to encourage socialization, others specialize in providing more targeted care to assist adults in injury recovery or managing chronic illnesses.
There are three main types of adult day care. Here’s a breakdown:
Adult social day care centers create a social and fun environment where moderately active adults can engage in activities such as arts, music, games, entertainment, exercises, group outings and celebrations. Social care centers may also provide healthy snacks and meals, along with health screenings, support groups and transportation to and from the location.
Adult day health care centers (ADHC) provide services for adults with disabling conditions or those who need hands-on care. These centers employ registered nurses and other qualified healthcare professionals to provide therapeutic services including physical or speech therapy.
Specialized adult day care centers cater to adults diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Often referred to as “memory centers,” these facilities employ health professionals trained to prepare and oversee cognitive stimulation activities for their patients.
Services provided by adult day care centers
Adult day care centers are not just places where adults can socialize and take part in activities. These centers offer a range of services, including transportation and meals for clients and valuable support for family caregivers.
Social activities – Centers organize activities geared toward the participant’s needs and abilities. Activities include group outings, celebrations or arts and crafts aimed at stretching their social and creative muscles. Social activities can also involve playing games like Scrabble or participating in group discussions about movies, books or recent events. Regardless of the activity, the goal is to provide a space for adults to interact with others and stay active.
Health services – Adult day care services include health monitoring, administering medications or conducting routine blood, hearing and vision screenings. More specialized care facilities also offer rehabilitation services or therapies to help manage long-term conditions.
Personal care – Services also include assistance with daily activities such as using the bathroom and bathing, as well as hair styling, nail trimming, shaving and routine skin care.
Meals – Besides helping adults with eating, these facilities also prepare and provide nutritious meals and snacks to meet the specific dietary requirements of participants.
Transportation – Some centers provide transportation for group outings, while others may provide transportation services to and from the facility.
Support for caregivers – The advantages of adult day care extend to caregivers as well, with services that include counseling, education, support groups and care planning
How much does adult day care cost?
The cost of adult day care varies by location and depends on the care options, services and activities offered.
According to a survey conducted by Genworth, a life and long-term care insurance provider, the average daily cost of adult care is $78 (or around $1,690 a month). However, daily costs can range between $25 and $100 a day, with more high-end facilities charging upwards of $125..
