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Eight Steps in
Choosing an Adult Day Care Center
Step #1 - Decide what you want
Decide what you and your loved one want from attending
the adult day center.
What does your loved one want or need?
 | A safe, secure environment? |
| Social Activities? |
| Assistance with eating, walking, toileting, medicines? |
| Therapies -- physical, speech, occupational? |
| Health monitoring -- blood pressures, food or liquid intake,
weight? |
| Nutritious meals and snacks? |
| Special diet? |
| Exercise? |
| Mental stimulation? |
| Personal care -- bathing, shampoos, shaving? |
What do you need?
| Occasional free time? |
| Coverage while working? |
| Transportation? |
| Support? |
| Assistance in planning for care? |
Step #2 - Find adult day centers
Identify services in your area. For names and phone numbers of the
adult day centers, try:
| Yellow Pages ("Adult Day Care"; "Aging
Services"; "Senior Citizens' Services"; etc.) |
| Area Agency on Aging (AAA) (Call 1-800-677-1116 for the AAA in
your area. |
| A senior center |
| Your family doctor |
| This website |
Step #3 - Call first!
Call adult day centers and ask for a flier or brochure, eligibility
criteria, a monthly activity calendar, a monthly menu and application
procedures.
Step #4 - Know what to ask
Look for the following information in the material received.
| Owner or sponsoring agency |
| Years of operation |
| License or certification (if required in your state) |
| Hours of operation |
| Days open |
| Transportation |
| Cost -- Hourly or daily charge, other charges, financial
assistance |
| Conditions accepted -- such as memory loss, limited mobility,
incontinence |
| Staff credentials |
| Number of staff per participant |
| Activities provided -- Is there variety and choice of individual
and group activities? |
| Menu -- appeal, balance |
Step #5 - Pay a visit
After reviewing materials, make an appointment to visit two or more
centers that might meet your needs.
The following list will help you decide which day center is the right
one for you:
Site Visit Checklist
Step #6 - Check references
Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are
considering. Ask for their opinion.
Step #7 - Try it out
Select a day center. Try it for two to five days. It sometimes takes
several visits for new participants to feel comfortable in a new setting
and with a new routine. If you have questions or are experiencing any problems,
ask for a conference. Staff may have suggestions to make the transition
easier both at home and at the day center.
Step #8 - Take care of yourself
Relax. Your loved one is being well cared for. Remember, your loved
one may not be able to recall all the activities enjoyed during the day.
The staf gladly will provide the missing details. The day center staff
is there for you, too. Ask for:
| Tips to make caregiving easier |
| Additional resources available i the community |
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