Community senior centers are an excellent place for aging adults who are relatively healthy. Unfortunately, people 65 and older have a 70% chance of needing services and support in their remaining years. Statistics also show 77 percent of adults 50 and older prefer to age in place. Considering this, know what resources are available, especially once a person declines physically or cognitively. One option is to hire a professional caregiver and pay them. The other option is to have family or close friends step in to become the person’s caregiver. That caregiver may work or need a break, so consider an adult daycare center.

What is adult daycare?

Adult daycare programs offer a safe, positive, caring alternative for adults 18 or older with physical, cognitive, or mental disabilities who need supervision. Participants benefit from other social interactions outside their homes. Programs help people stay mentally and physically active, reduce isolation, improve their health, and prevent the decline of their disabilities. In addition, family caregivers get a break from constant caregiving duties, and these programs enable families to continue working without worrying about their loved one’s safety.  

Programs vary from center to center. Some programs focus on a specific population based on age, needs, or similar cultural or ethnic backgrounds. Many centers also provide support groups and training for caregivers. Depending on their needs, individuals attend a care center two to five times per week during the weekdays. Care ranges from four to eight hours daily, but some centers offer extended hours to accommodate working caregivers.  

What care options are available?

Adult day health care provides medical and non-medical care for adults with chronic medical, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mental health conditions, or disabilities. Licensed professionals, including nurses, social workers, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, work with high-cost / high-risk patients. Programs also provide activities, personal care, meals, nutritional counseling, and can provide or arrange transportation. An individual plan of care is required. Most of these facilities service Medi-Cal beneficiaries, yet private pay is welcome too. The California Department of Aging oversees the program.

Adult day program provides non-medical care that focuses on protective supervision by trained aides. Adult day programs assist with personal care and activities of daily living (ADLs). There are structured activities, including art, games, exercises, plus more, as well as meals, health monitoring, and out-of-home respite care. Most centers can provide, arrange or assist with transportation needs. Participants are required to have a plan of care. The California Department of Social Services oversees these programs.

What are the benefits of adult daycare?

• Older adults can live at home versus moving to a long-term residential care facility.
• Centers provide a safe, secure setting for adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease who could wander from home or individuals with mobility issues where falls and injuries are a concern.
• Participants increase their physical and mental health, particularly for those with dementia and other cognitive impairments, through social activities and companionship.
• Participants improve their balance leading to a reduced risk of falls by exercising.
• Everyone sleeps better. According to “Aging & Mental Health,” dementia patients and caregivers slept better, with fewer disturbances, on the nights before the patients attended adult daycare.
• Reduction of caregiver’s stress levels and feelings of being burnt out, resulting in caregivers with better physical and mental health.

Costs and how to pay?

Compared to other care options, adult daycare centers are the least expensive. Prices vary depending on location and range of services and can be $25 to $100 a day. The median cost across the United States is $78 per day or $1690 monthly.

Adult daycare is generally an out-of-pocket expense. It is not considered medical care, so Medicare or private medical insurance does not provide coverage. There are programs for individuals on Medicaid or those receiving Veteran’s benefits to help cover costs.

STAGES is a resource for your aging loved one.