Adult Day Care is a planned program that includes a variety of
health, social and supportive services in a safe, protective environment during
daytime hours. It is a community-based service designed to meet each
individual's needs.
Who uses adult day care?
Physically
and cognitively impaired.
Socially isolated.
Persons needing assistance
with personal care.
Persons needing assistance to function independently in
the community, but not needing a 24-hour supervised living situation.
Consider using adult day care if your elder needs the
following:
A safe, secure environment.
Social
activities.
Assistance with eating, walking, toileting,
medications.
Physical, speech, occupational group
therapies.
Monitoring weight, blood pressure, food/liquid
intake.
Nutritious meals, snacks or special
diet.
Exercise.
Personal care, such as bathing,
shampooing, shaving is an extra charge.
Mental
stimulation.
Before visiting an adult day care center, it may be
helpful to call and ask for a brochure or other
information.
Questions to ask or things to look for in adult
day care:
Owner or sponsoring agency, and how long has day care
been in business?
-What days and hours is the center
open?
-Is the day care licensed?? Check with the state
health department for any substantiated complaints against the day
care.
-Is transportation provided to/from home? Is
there an extra charge?
-What is the cost? Hourly,
daily or weekly? Is there financial assistance? Make sure
you understand clearly what is and is not included in the
cost.
-What specific conditions are
accepted? Incontinence? Persons in
wheelchairs? Persons with memory loss?
-What is the
staff to participant ratio? How does it compare to state standards?
What is the staff ratio to participants with dementia? What is the
composition of professional and paraprofessional staff?
-What
activities are provided? Are there individual and group
activities? Are the activities stimulating?
-Are the
meals well-balanced and tasty? You may want to eat a
meal.
-Do you feel welcome? Are staff willing to spend time
finding out what you want and need?
-Were the programs and
activities explained?
-Is the day care center clean, odorless and
pleasant?
-How are the participants treated? Are staff
pleasant to the participants?
-Is the furniture comfortable for
the participants? Are there loungers for
relaxation?
What does an Assisted Living residence look
like?
Assisted Living residences can range from a high-rise apartment complex
to a converted Victorian home to a renovated school. Residences may be free
standing or housed with other residential options, such as independent living or
nursing care. They may be operated by non-profit or for-profit companies. Most
facilities have between 25 and 120 units. There is no single blueprint, because
consumers' preferences and needs vary widely. Units may vary in size from one
room to a full apartment.
What types of services are offered in Assisted
Living residences?
Services provided in Assisted Living residences usually
include:
Three meals a day served in a common dining area
Housekeeping
services
Transportation
Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing,
toileting and walking
Access to health and medical services
24-hour
security and staff availability
Emergency call systems for each resident s
unit
Health promotion and exercise programs
Medication management
Personal laundry services
Social and recreational activities
What
about costs?
Costs vary with the residence, room size, and the types of
services needed by the residents. Across the nation, daily basic fees range from
approximately $15 to $200 -- generally less than the cost of home health
services and nursing home care. A basic Assisted Living fee may cover all
services or there may be additional charges for special services. Most Assisted
Living residences charge month-to-month rates, but a few residences require
long-term arrangements.
Who pays the bill for an Assisted Living
residence?
Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from
their own financial resources. Depending on the nature of an individual's health
insurance program or long-term care insurance policy, costs may be reimbursed.
In addition, some residences have their own financial assistance programs.
Government payments for Assisted Living residences has been limited. Some state
and local governments offer subsidies for rent or services for low income
elders. Others may provide subsidies in the form of an additional payment for
those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Some states
also utilize Medicaid waiver programs to help pay for Assisted Living
services.
How to find an Assisted Living residence?
Call the national
Eldercare locator service at (800) 677-1116. Calls are accepted between 9 am -
5pm Monday through Friday.
Contact your local area agency on aging. These
agencies are generally listed in the blue pages of your telephone
directory. Check your library for the National Directory of
Retirement Facilities.