Your Guide To Selecting An Adult Day Center
By The National Council on the Aging's National Adult Day Services Association

Adult Day Centers provide a planned program that includes a variety of health, social and support services in a protective setting during daytime hours. This is a community-based service designed to meet the individual needs of functionally impaired adults.

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?
• Medical 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 1-800-677-1176 for the AAA in your area.
• A senior center
• Your family doctor

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 applications 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 charge, 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

Yes    No
  __    __  Did you feel welcomed?
  __    __  Did someone spend time finding out what you want and need?
  __    __  Did someone clearly explain what services and activities the center
               provides?
  __    __  Did they present information about staffing, program,
               procedures, costs, and what they expect of caregivers?
  __    __  Was the facility clean, pleasant, and free of odor?
  __    __  Were the building and the rooms wheelchair accessible?
  __    __  Was there sturdy, comfortable furniture?
  __    __  Loungers for relaxation?
  __    __  Chairs with arms?
  __    __  Is there a quiet place for conferences?
  __    __  Is there a place to isolate sick persons?
  __    __  Did you see cheerful faces on staff and participants?
  __    __  Do volunteers help?
  __    __  Are participants involved in planning activities or making other
               suggestions?

Step #6 – Check references

Check references. Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are considering. As 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 staff gladly will provide the missing details. The day center is there for you, too. Ask for:

• Tips to make caregiving easier
• Additional resources available in the community

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