Choosing an Adult Day Care

My Patient Guide

Guiding you every step of the way.

Adult Day Care

101

The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) recommends you start by asking yourself what specific services both elder adult and caregiver most need. For the day care participant, are social activities primary? Assistance with walking, eating or medications? Mental stimulation? Exercise? As a caregiver, is support what you need most? Some free time? Help with transportation? Answering these questions will help you determine which of the three main types of adult day care centers (social, health-focused, and Alzheimer's/dementia oriented) will best serve you.

In addition to the many references and resources to help locate adult day care centers in your area, you can also try:

• Your family doctor
  

• Local social services or health department
  

• Mental health centers
  

• Local senior center
  

• Area Agency on Aging (Call 1-800-677-1116 for the AAA in your area)
  

• Yellow Pages listings under Adult Day Care, Aging Services, Senior Citizens' Services, and similar categories.
  

When you phone the center(s) you've chosen to consider, NADSA suggests asking the following questions:

• Who owns or sponsors the agency?
  

• How long has it been operating?
  

• Is it licensed or certified? (If required in your state)
  

• What are the days and hours of operation?
  

• Is transportation to and from the center provided?
  

• Which conditions are accepted (e.g., memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence)?
  

• What are the staff's credentials, and what is the ratio of staff to participants?
  

• What activities are offered? Are there a variety of individual and group programs?
  

• Are meals and snacks included? Are special diets accommodated?
  

Next, spend a day at the center that sounds best to you, so that you can get a "feel" for the people and environment. Be sure to bring a site checklist with you. (CHECKLIST) You may wish to go back a few times to see whether your experience on different days confirms your initial impressions.

Choose a Destination... What is Adult Day Care? Services Provided Choosing Adult Day Care Cost of Adult Day Care When to Consider ADC MAIN PAGE ....................................................

Adult Day Care

Choose a Destination... What is Adult Day Care? Services Provided Choosing Adult Day Care Cost of Adult Day Care When to Consider ADC MAIN PAGE ....................................................

Adult Day Care

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