Adult Day Care programs stand as a valuable option for families seeking alternatives to 24-hour nursing home care for their loved ones. These programs are specifically designed for adults who do not require constant skilled nursing but could benefit from daytime support and engagement. Adult day care services play a crucial role in assisting working caregivers in managing their professional and caregiving responsibilities. They also offer essential respite for family members who are full-time caregivers. The core aim of adult day care is to keep participants mentally and physically active, reduce social isolation, enhance overall health, and prevent the deterioration of existing abilities.
Individuals typically attend an adult day care center within their community a few times a week, usually two to five days, depending on their unique needs and circumstances. Transportation arrangements are generally provided or facilitated by all programs. The daily program hours generally span from four to eight hours, although some centers offer extended hours to better accommodate the schedules of working caregivers. Many adult day care centers also extend their support to caregivers by offering support groups and training resources.
The services available can vary from center to center, but common offerings include therapeutic activities such as art and music, age-appropriate games and exercises, health monitoring, social work services, nutritious meals, dietary counseling, and physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Certain adult day care programs specialize in serving specific populations, such as individuals from particular cultural or ethnic backgrounds, or younger adults who have experienced head injuries or have developmental disabilities. Families also benefit from these programs through access to information and referrals to other necessary services.
Adult day services are delivered in two primary licensed settings: Adult Day Programs (ADP) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC).
| Category | Adult Day Program (ADP) | Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Community-based programs providing assistance with personal care, activities of daily living, and/or supervision for the participant’s protection on less than a 24-hour basis. Serves adults age 18 and over. | Community-based programs providing an organized day program of health, therapeutic, and social services. Programs serve frail older adults and younger adults with chronic disabling medical, cognitive, or mental health conditions who are at risk of institutional placement. Serves adults age 18 and over. |
| Services Provided | ||
| Individual Plan of Care | Required | Required |
| Activity Program | Required | Required |
| Dietary Services | Required | Required |
| Meal/Snack | Required | Required |
| Personal Care & Supervision | Required | Required |
| Transportation | Provide, arrange, or assist | Provide or arrange |
| Medications | Assist with self-administration | Administered by registered nurse |
| Social Services | Not required | Required |
| Skilled Nursing | Not required | Required |
| Physician Services | Not required | Required |
| Mental Health Services | Not required | Required |
| Occupational Therapy | Not required | Required |
| Physical Therapy | Not required | Required |
| Speech Therapy | Not required | Required |
| Payment Sources | – Private Payment – Regional Center (for participants with Developmental Disabilities) – Veteran’s Administration – Area Agencies on Aging | – Medi-Cal (for participants who meet the Medi-Cal CBAS eligibility criteria) – Private Payment – Regional Center (for participants with Developmental Disabilities) – Area Agencies on Aging |
| State Oversight | California Department of Social Services | California Department of Aging |
| Find a program in your area | Adult Day Program (ADP) | Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) |
Both ADP and ADHC settings are equipped to care for individuals with various conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, complex physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, and other chronic conditions. Within the ADP or ADHC framework, specialized programs known as Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC) exist. ADCRCs are uniquely tailored to address the specific psychosocial, mental, functional, and cognitive needs of individuals living with dementia. Their aim is to help these individuals maintain their highest possible level of function while simultaneously offering crucial support and respite to their caregivers.
