Adult Day Care is also known as Adult Day
Services. Isn’t that like
daycare/childcare but for older adults?
Well, yes. Most of the people who
attend ADS programs have cognitive deficits including dementia and
depression. It includes:
1.
Planned programs and activities.
2.
Promotes well-being [social and
biological health] in a safe, supervised, and fun setting.
3.
Usually M-F and often includes meals,
medications, snacks, and transportation
The purpose of adult day care is twofold.
1.
It provides older adults the opportunity
to get out of the house for mental and social stimulation. It keeps the brain active!
2.
It gives caregivers a break to go to
work, relax, shopping, etc.
Common activities at ADS facilities include exercise
programs, book clubs, field trips, films/movies, discussion groups, sing
alongs, arts and crafts, and seminars.
The cost varies from $25 to over $100 per day. Sometimes, part of the cost is paid by
longterm care insurance. There are
different models including nonprofit, church affiliated, for profit, etc. It is important to shop around and seek out a
place that is the right fit for the older adult and the caregiver.
Here is a resource you may find useful. Find a site near you by entering your address
and zip and you will have a map and name of a facility within twenty miles of
your location.
National Adult Day Services Association
