Skip to Main Content

What to Expect From Adult Day Care

April 30, 2015 Posted in: Family Health , Article

You want your aging parents to enjoy a rich, active life, even as certain elements of their general health and independence decline. No matter how much you want to be involved in helping seniors that you care about, you may not have enough time to juggle your own responsibilities and also give your parent or grandparent the regular attention that they need. Adult day care centers can offer a solution to this conundrum by supporting seniors, keeping them active, occupied, and full of self-esteem - all while keeping their health and safety top of mind.

Adult day care centers are designed to meet the needs of older adults who have difficulty managing on their own, receive some assistance at home from a caregiver (family member or friend), or are lonely or socially isolated. The centers operate during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, offering elderly adults the opportunity to be social in a safe, supportive environment. These centers also give at-home caregivers a much-needed break.

Types of Adult Day Care

There are generally three types of adult care centers, with services varying according to the specific needs of members:

  1. Socially-geared adult day centers offer meals, recreation, and some health care services. These centers have access to medical facilities that are staffed with registered nurses and other health professionals, who administer physical examinations and medical care for patients with chronic illnesses.
  2. Some centers are mainly focused on medical and health issues, offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
  3. The third type of center provides specialized support, care, and counseling for people with developmental disabilities, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease.

Available Programs and Services

Although each adult day care center may differ in terms of features, these common services are available at most facilities:

  • Social activities: Daily planned activities are included, such as music, art, discussion, and support groups.
  • Transportation: Door-to-door service is usually available.
  • Nutritious meals and snacks: Special meals are offered to those with specific dietary needs.
  • Personal care: Centers will help with grooming, eating, toileting, and other care tasks.
  • Therapeutic activities: Exercise, memory training, and mental-stimulation games (such as bingo) are offered.


Who Benefits

Adult day care fills a crucial gap in senior care. According to the National Adult Day Services Association, more than 260,000 older adults and caregivers are serviced through more than 4,600 day care programs across the United States. Candidates for these programs are seniors who live with someone who works outside the home or who is frequently away from home, require supervised care during the day in a safe, secure environment, or can benefit from a structured program of socialization and activities in a community, group-based setting.

If you're the primary caregiver for an aging loved one or if you want to ensure that your loved ones have the social interaction they want and need, consider adult day care. You'll get the respite you need and you can feel assured that your loved ones are in good hands.

5 Questions Women Should Ask Their Primary Care Physician

MAR 01, 2023

Going to the doctor can be stressful. Whether for a general exam or a specific health problem, there is often so much information to process that we don't think to ask questions during our visit or simply feel embarrassed to ask.

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | 5 Questions Women Should Ask Their Primary Care Physician

The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins

SEP 12, 2022

It's important to remember that vitamins and supplements cannot take the place of a healthy diet. For example, pregnant women should eat multiple servings of fresh green vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Higher doses of certain vitami...

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | *

Breastfeeding for Working Moms: 5 Tips to Guide You

SEP 12, 2022

It's often said that breastfeeding is a full-time job. And in those first few weeks of motherhood, when it feels like you're feeding constantly, it certainly can be. But what happens a few months later when you have to go back to work?

Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | How to Make Breastfeeding for Working Moms Easy