Adult Day Care Programs offer a compassionate and engaging daytime solution for seniors who may not require 24-hour nursing care but benefit from a supportive and social environment. These programs are also invaluable for working caregivers, providing a much-needed respite and enabling them to balance their professional and caregiving responsibilities. Adult day care services are thoughtfully designed to keep participants mentally and physically stimulated, combatting isolation, promoting overall health, and helping to maintain or even improve their abilities.
Individuals typically attend an adult day care center within their community a few times a week, tailored to their specific needs. Transportation arrangements are usually provided or facilitated by the programs. The daily schedule generally ranges from four to eight hours, although some centers offer extended hours to accommodate the schedules of working caregivers. Recognizing the challenges faced by caregivers, many adult day care centers also offer support groups and training resources.
The services provided can vary between centers, but commonly include enriching therapeutic activities such as art, music, and age-appropriate games, alongside essential health monitoring, social work services, nutritious meals, and dietary guidance. Some centers also offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy to address specific health needs.
Certain adult day care programs may specialize in serving particular groups, for example, those from specific cultural or ethnic backgrounds, or younger adults who have experienced head injuries or have developmental disabilities. Furthermore, these programs often act as a valuable resource for families, providing information and referrals to other necessary services.
Adult day care services are generally offered within two types of 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 supervision for participant safety during daytime hours. Caters to adults aged 18 and over. | Community-based programs delivering structured daytime programs of health, therapeutic, and social services. Designed for frail older adults and younger adults with chronic medical, cognitive, or mental health conditions at risk of needing institutional care. Serves adults aged 18 and over. |
| Services Provided | ||
| Individual Care Plan | Required | Required |
| Activity Program | Required | Required |
| Dietary Services | Required | Required |
| Meal/Snack | Required | Required |
| Personal Care & Supervision | Required | Required |
| Transportation | Provided, arranged, or assisted | Provided or arranged |
| Medications | Assistance 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 individuals with Developmental Disabilities) – Veteran’s Administration – Area Agencies on Aging | – Medi-Cal (for eligible participants) – Private Payment – Regional Center (for individuals 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 support individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, complex physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, or other chronic conditions. Notably, Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC) represent a specialized service model within ADP or ADHC frameworks. ADCRCs are uniquely focused on addressing the psychosocial, mental, functional, and cognitive needs of individuals living with dementia, aiming to maximize their functional abilities while also offering essential support and respite for their caregivers.
