Understanding Day Programs

Day Programs, also known as adult day care, provide a safe, secure setting for older adults who need supervision during the day or who could benefit from additional social engagement. Participants are able to socialize and enjoy planned activities in a group setting, while family caregivers can have a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Day programs usually operate during weekday hours although some programs may have extended evening or weekend hours.

Types of Adult Day Care

Adult social day care provides planned social opportunities, exercise and other appropriate activities.
Adult day health care provides social activities along with healthcare oversight and therapeutic services, such as physical or occupational therapy
Specialized adult day care is for adults with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia or developmental disabilities.

Services Offered

The services will vary depending on each individual program but most centers include the following:

Social activities: Planned activities tailored to the participants’ abilities, interests, and health conditions. Examples include: arts and crafts, musical entertainment, mental stimulation games, gentle exercise, discussion groups, celebrations, and outings.
Nutrition: Nutritious meals, including special diets, and snacks are provided.
Personal care: Some programs can help with activities of daily living such as grooming, toilet hygiene, walking, and feeding.
Health services: Adult Day Health Centers can assist with medication dispensing, blood pressure monitoring, symptom management, and rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational or speech language therapy.
Transportation: Many centers provide transportation to and from the center.
Services for Caregivers: .Some centers may provide counseling, support groups, and caregiving education.

Paying for Day Programs

Some insurance programs such as Medicaid, Veterans' Long Term Care Benefits, and Long Term Care Insurance may pay for adult day services, depending on the type of program. Although original Medicare doesn't cover the cost of adult day programs, some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage. Private pay prices can vary, depending on factors such as geographic region and range of services, with many centers costing between $75 and $100 for a full-day and less for a half-day. It is important to check with the program to learn what forms of reimbursement they accept and whether they have any respite grants.

When to Consider
Caregivers should look into day programs when they start seeing signs that their loved one:

Is unable to structure his or her daily activities.
Feels isolated and lonely and wishes to interact with other older people.
Experiences anxiety or depression and needs social and emotional support.
Has difficulty starting and focusing on an activity, whether it’s a conversation, reading, or watching TV.
Seems not to be safe on his or her own or feels uncertain and anxious about being alone.

Evaluating Adult Day Programs
Once you identify a center that seems to meet your loved one’s needs, the next step is to visit the center.

Here are sample questions to ask adult day centers:

How long has the center been in operation?
What licenses, certifications, and accreditation does it have?
What’s the ratio of staff to attendees and what kind of training do employees receive?
What days and hours is it open?
What is the policy for late arrivals or pickups if you don’t use the transit services that are provided?
Does the center create individual service plans for attendees? If so, how often those plans are updated?
What services do they offer?

Spend some time simply observing the center itself.

Does it seem clean and generally pleasant?
Is the furniture comfortable and sturdy, and is the facility wheelchair accessible?
Is there a quiet area where your loved one can relax if they need a break?
Are the restrooms conveniently located and outfitted with grab bars and space for wheelchairs?
Note how the staff and clients interact and whether they seem comfortable with one another.

Helping Your Loved One Adjust
Your family member may resist attending a program at first, but they often warm to it after several weeks and begin looking forward to seeing other people at the center and engaging in activities. The center staff is trained in helping participants adjust and engage so discuss your concerns with them and develop a plan.