Adult day care is a type of supervised environment offered to adults or the elderly who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves independently. Adult day cares are growing in popularity as more caregivers are utilizing the services for respite and social independence. Adult day care eliminates the need for client placement into a nursing care facility. According to the National Adult Day Services Association, there were over 4,000 adult day care centers in the United States as of 2002. Larger metropolitan areas and city areas offer adult day care services for a nominal fee.
Significance
The significance of utilizing adult day care services is to gain quality care in a well supervised environment. Adults who are disabled and require around-the-clock assistance benefit best from adult day care. It allows them to get the care they need while their caregiver is away. Most adult day cares are set up in medical care facilities or independently. These are slightly different from home care services in that clients are required to travel to the day care center. In some cases transportation is available. Many adults enjoy the supportive environment including social and mental stimulation and interaction with the facility team members and other clients.
Function
Adult day care centers provide planned activities based on the physical and emotional needs of each individual client. Clients are entertained and stimulated in different ways, while the needs of their disability are meet. Most clients are required to be somewhat mobile and continent. Clients who are bed-bound or wheelchair-bound may not qualify for most day care services.
Types
Most adult day cares are private, but some are owned and operated by large medical corporations. Many work in conjunction with other home care service agencies to offer physical therapy, nursing and nursing aide services or mental health assistance to certain clients.
Features
Adult day cares focus on enriching and assisting the client's needs. A staff of caregivers and volunteers help assist and direct activities and events. Group activities that include aerobics, yoga, musical entertainment, ceramics and art may be included in the day's schedule. Shuffleboard and board games are also popular activities. Most facilities are handicap accessible and offer assistance with activities and with light personal care. Meals are served at most facilities, and some offer tailored meal programs to match the needs of each client's dietary needs.
Time Frame
Adult day care centers are often in operation Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This time frame varies per facility. Most facilities focus on meeting the needs of the client's primary caregiver so they can complete their errands, appointments and work commitments. Adult day care is utilized daily or on an "as needed" basis. Most facilities do not provide supervision on weekends or overnight but may subcontract through local home health care agencies to meet the needs of the client.
