Adult Day Care
Support, supervision, activities, and companionship during the day while continuing to live at home.
Adult day care provides a safe, supportive place for older adults and other adults who may need supervision, assistance, social interaction, or structured activities during the day.
Participants typically attend an adult day center for part or all of the day and return home afterward. Programs vary, but many provide meals, activities, companionship, personal care assistance, and support for individuals living with dementia or other health conditions. Some adult day health programs also provide nursing or other health-related services.
Adult day care can also give family caregivers time to work, attend appointments, manage other responsibilities, or simply take a needed break while knowing their loved one is being supported.
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What Services Does Adult Day Care Provide?
Services vary by program and by the needs of the people they serve. Adult day care may include:
- Supervision and assistance during the day
- Social activities and companionship
- Meals and snacks
- Exercise and recreational activities
- Help with personal care
- Medication reminders or assistance
- Dementia and memory support
- Transportation to and from the center
- Nursing or health monitoring at some programs
Because services can differ significantly between centers, families should ask exactly what care and assistance are available before choosing a program. Adult day health programs may offer a higher level of health-related support than primarily social adult day programs.
Who May Benefit from Adult Day Care?
Adult day care may be helpful for someone who:
- Lives at home but may need supervision or support during the day
- Would benefit from more social interaction and activities
- Needs assistance with some daily activities or personal care
- Is living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia
- Needs a structured and supportive daily routine
- Lives with a family caregiver who works or needs regular breaks
- Could benefit from remaining active and connected with others
Some centers specialize in particular populations or care needs, so it is important to find a program that is appropriate for the individual.
Benefits of Adult Day Care
Structure and Routine
A predictable daily schedule with meals, activities, social time, and rest can provide a reassuring sense of routine and purpose.
Social Connection
Group activities, shared meals, and conversations can provide opportunities to connect with others and enjoy social interaction.
Activities and Engagement
Exercise, games, music, crafts, and other activities can help participants stay active, engaged, and involved in activities they enjoy.
A Safe, Supportive Environment
Supervision and assistance throughout the day can provide a safe, supportive setting while helping participants maintain as much independence as possible.
Continued Living at Home
Regular daytime support can help individuals continue living at home while receiving additional supervision, activities, and assistance during the day.
Support for Family Caregivers
Reliable daytime care can give family caregivers time for work, appointments, errands, rest, and other responsibilities while their loved one is supported.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Every adult day program is different, but a typical day might include meals or snacks, conversations with other participants, games or crafts, music, light exercise, educational or recreational activities, and periods of rest.
Staff may also help with personal care, mobility, meals, medication reminders or assistance, or other needs depending on the program.
Adult day care is about more than simply providing a place to spend the day. A good program should offer meaningful activities and support based on each participant's abilities, interests, preferences, and needs.
Adult Day Care vs In-Home Care
Adult Day Care takes place in a community-based center, where participants can receive supervision, activities, meals, companionship, and other services alongside other participants.
In-Home Care brings a caregiver into the person's home to provide individualized assistance with daily activities, personal care, companionship, meals, errands, and other non-medical needs.
Some families use both. For example, someone may attend adult day care several days a week while receiving in-home care at other times.
Understanding Costs and Payment Options
The cost of adult day care varies depending on the program, location, number of days attended, and level of care required.
Families may pay privately, while some individuals may qualify for assistance through Medicaid or other state and community programs. Adult day health services can be offered through certain Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services programs, but eligibility and coverage vary by state.
What to Ask When Comparing Adult Day Care Programs
Before choosing a program, families may want to ask about the people the center serves, staff training, available activities, personal care assistance, dementia support, meals, transportation, hours of operation, health services, costs, and what happens if a participant's needs change.
It is also important to ask about licensing or other state requirements, because requirements for adult day services vary by state.
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Finding the right daytime support can help your loved one remain active, connected, and supported while giving family caregivers more flexibility and peace of mind.
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Find Adult Day Care Near YouFrequently Asked Questions About Adult Day Care
Does someone live at an adult day care center?
No. Adult day care is not residential care. Participants attend the program during the day and return home or to their place of residence afterward.
How many days a week can someone attend adult day care?
It depends on the program and the individual's needs. Some people attend several days a week, while others may attend less frequently. Available schedules and hours vary by center.
Can someone with dementia attend adult day care?
Yes, many adult day care programs serve people living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Some offer specialized memory support, but families should ask about staff training, supervision, activities, and the level of care the program can provide.
Does adult day care provide transportation?
Some programs provide or arrange transportation to and from the center, while others require families to provide transportation. Ask each program what options are available and whether transportation costs extra.
Can adult day care and in-home care be used together?
Yes. Some families use both services. For example, someone might attend adult day care on certain days and receive in-home care at other times or during hours when the adult day program is closed.