Adult Day Service programs are designed as a supportive option for adults who don’t require round-the-clock skilled nursing care, offering a valuable alternative to nursing homes. These programs play a crucial role in assisting working caregivers in managing their work-life balance and providing essential respite for family members who are full-time caregivers. The primary focus of adult day services is to keep participants mentally and physically engaged, lessen feelings of isolation, promote better health, and prevent any decline in their abilities.
Individuals enrolled in these programs typically visit a center within their community two to five times per week, depending on their specific needs. Transportation arrangements are either provided by all programs or assistance is offered in coordinating them. Program hours generally span from four to eight hours daily, with some centers offering extended hours to accommodate the schedules of working caregivers. Many centers also extend their support by hosting caregiver support groups and offering training resources.
The services available can differ from center to center, but commonly include therapeutic activities like art and music, age-appropriate games, health monitoring, social work services, nutritious meals, dietary advice, and physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Certain programs are tailored to serve specific groups, such as individuals from particular cultural or ethnic backgrounds, or younger adults who have experienced head injuries or have developmental disabilities. Furthermore, families can also receive support through information and referrals to other necessary services.
Adult day services are delivered 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 that provide assistance with personal care, activities of daily living, and supervision for participant safety for less than 24 hours a day. Serves adults 18 and older. | Community-based programs offering structured day programs with health, therapeutic, and social services. Designed for frail older adults and younger adults with chronic disabling medical, cognitive, or mental health conditions at risk of needing institutional care. Serves adults 18 and older. |
| Services Provided | ||
| Individual Plan of Care | Required | Required |
| Activity Program | Required | Required |
| Dietary Services | Required | Required |
| Meal/Snack | Required | Required |
| Personal Care & Supervision | Required | Required |
| Transportation | Provide, arrange, or assist | Provide or arrange |
| Medications | Assist 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 participants with Developmental Disabilities) – Veteran’s Administration – Area Agencies on Aging | – Medi-Cal (for participants who meet the Medi-Cal CBAS eligibility criteria) – Private Payment – Regional Center (for participants 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 that are disabling. Specifically, Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC) represent specialized programs within ADP or ADHC frameworks. ADCRCs are uniquely focused on addressing the psychosocial, mental, functional, and cognitive needs of individuals living with dementia. They aim to help these individuals maintain their highest possible level of function while also offering crucial support and respite for their caregivers.
