In 2016, there were about 4,600 adult day care centers with more than 286,000 participants, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Adult day care centers are also the most affordable long-term care solution for seniors and disabled adults who need help with daily activities.
You might be wondering, what exactly is an adult day care center? What kinds of services are usually offered? And, how do you know if an adult day care center is right for you or your loved one? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more!
What Is an Adult Day Care Center?
Pennsylvania Adult Day Services Association defines an adult day care center as: “A community-based center designed to assist in meeting the complex medical, physical, social, and emotional needs of people with multiple functional limitations.”
Typically, seniors attend these day care centers during the day and return home to their caregivers in the evening. So, day care centers provide massive benefits for seniors and caregivers alike because they provide safe, engaging environments for seniors while offering caregivers a much-needed break.
What Services Are Offered?
Services can vary widely from center to center, so it’s important to research each facility thoroughly to find one that suits your senior’s needs. Some common services include:
- Nursing and personal care services
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative services
- Structured group activities
- Meal and nutrition services
- Socialization, supervision, and a safe, comforting environment
In Pennsylvania, adult day care centers are inspected annually and licensed by the PA Department of Aging and/or the PA Department of Human Services to ensure high-quality care.
Is Adult Day Care Right for You?
Adult day care centers are perfect for older or disabled adults who want to maintain some independence but require help with daily activities. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if an adult day care center is right for you or your loved one:
- Do you worry about your loved one’s safety at home alone?
- Do you worry about your loved one’s health?
- Do you worry that your loved one is bored or depressed at home alone all day?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then an adult day care center might be the ideal solution for you and your family.
It’s also important to consider the cost.
Adult day care centers are significantly more affordable than other long-term care solutions because they allow your senior loved one to continue living at home. For example, in Philadelphia, it costs roughly $77 for a full day at an adult day center compared to $328 for a day in a nursing home or $25 per hour for in-home care.
A Final Word
For older or disabled adults who need help with daily activities, adult day care centers can be the perfect solution for both seniors and caregivers. To locate an adult day care center in PA, visit the Philadelphia Department of Aging’s website for a complete list.
Since services at each center can vary, be sure to ask specific questions to address your senior’s needs. For example, do they offer transportation? Specialized meal plans? What kind of social activities are offered? Answers to these questions will help you find a center that is just right for you and your family.
For additional resources, click here to request your copy of our Pennsylvania Resource Guide for seniors.