Adult day care provides structured programs in a professional setting for older adults who need supervised care during the day. These programs offer socialization, nutritious meals, activities, and — in some cases — medical monitoring and therapy services.
37 steps across 7 sections
1. Determine Which Type of Program You Need
- Social adult day care (SADC) Supervision, activities, meals, and socialization; no medical care; ideal for seniors who need companionship and structure
- Adult day health care (ADHC) Everything in SADC plus medical care, nursing, physical/occupational therapy, and medication management; staffed with healthcare professionals
- Specialized dementia/disability programs Focused programming for cognitive impairment or specific disabilities
- Match the program type to the participant's needs
2. Assess the Participant's Suitability
- Is the person able to participate in group activities (with assistance)?
- Are behavioral issues manageable in a group setting?
- Can the person benefit from socialization and structured activities?
- What medical needs must be addressed during program hours?
- Does the person need assistance with ADLs during the day?
3. Research Programs in Your Area
- Contact the National Adult Day Services Association (nadsa.org)
- Call your local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116)
- Ask physicians, social workers, and hospital discharge planners
- Check with your state's Department of Health for licensed programs
- Get recommendations from caregiver support groups
4. Visit and Evaluate Programs
- Tour at least 2-3 programs
- Observe activities in progress — are participants engaged?
- Check the facility for cleanliness, safety, and accessibility
- Review the daily schedule and activity offerings
- Note the overall atmosphere: warm and welcoming vs. institutional
- Talk to current participants and their families
5. Evaluate Staff and Services
- Ask about staff-to-participant ratios
- Check staff qualifications, certifications, and dementia training
- Inquire about nursing/medical staff availability (for ADHC programs)
- Ask about how medications are managed during program hours
- Confirm the program can handle specific needs (diabetes, feeding assistance, etc.)
- Ask about emergency procedures and transportation services
6. Understand Costs and Payment Options
- Average daily cost: ~$100/day ($2,167/month)
- Medicaid Covers adult day care in every state through HCBS waivers or ABD Medicaid
- Veterans benefits VA Adult Day Health Care for eligible veterans
- Long-term care insurance Many policies cover adult day services
- Sliding scale fees Some programs adjust fees based on ability to pay
- Medicare does NOT typically cover adult day care (except limited therapy services)
7. Plan the Transition
- Start with 1-2 days per week and gradually increase
- Allow an adjustment period of 2-4 weeks
- Communicate with program staff about preferences, routines, and concerns
- Provide detailed medical and personal information
- Pack necessary items: medications, change of clothes, comfort items
Common Mistakes
- Dismissing adult day care as "babysitting"
- Starting with too many days
- Not matching program type to needs
- Ignoring transportation logistics
- Not communicating health changes
Pro Tips
- Adult day care can delay or prevent the need for more expensive residential care
- Many programs offer a free trial day — take advantage to see if it is a good fit
- Look for programs accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabili...
- Ask about respite care or occasional/drop-in attendance if you do not need da...
- Programs with intergenerational components (combined with child care) can be ...