Adult Day Care: A protective setting offered for those who cannot be left alone due to health care and social needs. Also known as Senior Daycare Centers, Senior Centers, Adult Day Centers, Adult Day Care Center, Adult Day Health, Adult Day Services, Adult Day Health Services, Adult Day Residential Care and Medical Adult Day Care Service.
LENGTH-OF-STAY: The purpose of adult day care is twofold. First, it helps the care-recipient improve in health and activity level. And second it provides rest for the caregiver at home. If it works as advertised then this could extend the average home care stay beyond the more typical setting where adult day care is not used. Daycare services are typically offered from Monday through Friday and from morning through afternoon hours. Some providers will pick up and bring home the loved one for an additional charge. For families who use day care, this may be a good arrangement for working caregivers to drop off the loved one in the morning and pick them up after work in the afternoon.
COST: The survey mentioned above indicates that in 2001 the average daily cost of adult day services was about $56.00. Prices have probably gone up since then and it should be expected that costs in areas with high cost of living would be more than costs in rural areas. The cost typically includes a noon meal and an afternoon snack. It would not include craft supplies, tickets for activities or transportation. These would be extra.
WHO PAYS? As mentioned previously, adult day care providers who use a healthcare model can be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. Medicaid views these services as a better alternative to nursing home care. As also mentioned previously, Medicare is currently conducting a study to determine whether adult day care can be a viable alternative to home care in certain settings. If the study is successful Medicare may also become a principle payor of adult day services.
Long-term care insurance will also pay for adult day care. It is our opinion that adult day care is a valuable service and somehow caregivers and care recipients need to understand its importance. Because of this and because long-term care insurance is one of the few non-welfare, third-party sources of payment, the ownership of insurance could be an important stimulus to keeping adult day care going.
Source: Partners in Caregiving 2001-2002
Other Care Alternatives besides Adult Day Care?
Option One: Private Duty Home Care
Option Two: Assisted Living Care
