Adult Day Care Services

How to Find a Center Near You

Adult day care centers have been growing steadily in the recent years not only due to the aging population but also because of the wide range of services that cater to each individual’s situation. The right adult day care for your loved one will help foster a sense of community and may decrease the impact of any sudden medical changes that may occur. Participants also report feeling socially alert and look forward to going to adult day care when they are engaged in uplifting planned activities.

Adult day care centers act as a bridge between long-term care and assisted living. In comparison to assisted living or nursing homes, adult day care services are much more affordable. The average price for one day of adult day care is about $61, while the cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is $198. While adult day care services provide some respite for the caregiver, the main advantage is the cost involved.

First and foremost, determine what your ultimate needs are in finding an adult day care that works for you. What are your non-negotiable items?

Do you need a location close to your workplace? Do you need enhanced or specialized care? Are you more concerned about the quality of the social activities and the meal offerings? Will your loved one need transportation to and from the adult day care center? Or are you more interested in the ratio of specialists to participants? Each one of these questions will ultimately play into the overall cost of the adult day care program.

Adult day care centers that provide purely basic help and assistance are more affordable than specialized adult day care centers that work with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Location also plays an integral role in the cost of the program. Some adult day care centers focus on recruiting industry leaders to create a cutting edge approach to their services which may increase the cost and level of care. Ultimately, finding the right adult day care for your needs is a personal choice involving concerned family members and the participant.

To search for the adult day care centers within your area, utilize referrals, internet searches, or online review and association sites which have directories of adult day care centers. Compile the list of your top picks based on your non-negotiable items and place appointments to view the facilities. Some centers, depending on their level of expertise, may have a waitlist.

Find out as much as you can about the adult day care center while you are on site. Take in the energy of the room. Is it a positive environment for the participants? How do the specialists interact with each individual? Does the level of care provided match or exceed the cost of the program? If possible, find out what the turnover rate is of the facility you are visiting. How long have the managers served in their positions? When searching for the right adult day care center, consistency should be a top consideration. Your loved one will have an easier time adjusting to the adult day care facility if the program is consistent and dependable.

Once you determine your top priorities and non-negotiable items, your list of adult day care centers will be much more focused and easier to sort through allowing you to find the right adult day care.

SeniorAdvisor.com Staff

Senior Advisor's knowledgeable writers blog about senior care services, trends and more.