Adult Day Care

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Adult day services emerged several decades ago. It's an alternative to institutional care when families need help caring for a loved one, but either cannot afford assisted living or chooses to care for one at home.

Adult day care (ADC) offers mental, social, and physical stimulation and activities for adults who have lost some independence because of physical or cognitive impairments or chronic health conditions. ADCs are different from senior community centers that attract the more self-reliant, independent and mobile older adults.

At daycare, one can expect to receive meals, activities, and care for households where the family caregiver cannot provide care at home during the daytime.

These centers provide socialization opportunities and basic support for seniors. Many general senior day care programs require that seniors be able to swallow their medications without assistance.

There are three types of adult day centers. One offers a social setting that includes meals, recreation, and some health-related services. Another offers the same but includes more intensive health and therapeutic services. And the third daycare will provide specialized care to recipients with chronic needs or diagnosed dementias or developmental disabilities.

Family members and caregivers typically select the type of center a care recipient attends based on the care needed.

Day care centers that specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care employ specially trained staff. Also when offering social activities, these centers provide a level of specialized care for adults with memory problems and a propensity for wandering.

Medical adult day care centers give individuals with chronic physical or cognitive impairments the care they need. A highly cost-effective long-term care alternative, medical adult day care centers administer nursing care, meals, and therapeutic activities in a safe, structured and homelike environment.

Registered nurses, personal care assistants, activities staff, and therapists help clients maintain the best possible quality of life while also offering respite for family caregivers.

They may provide health care support services including:

• Assistance with daily personal care and hygiene
• Administration of medications and injections
• Wound care
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar
• Tracheotomy care and tube feeding may also be available