Regardless of how wonderful a caregiver you are for an Alzheimer’s patient, sooner or later you’re going to need a break. Sometimes, a local family member or friend can fill in while you do errands or get some exercise. But in other situations, adult day care might be the solution.
These centers provide healthy environments in which older individuals can interact socially, participate in activities, and receive medical or rehabilitation services, if necessary. Most of them treat a large spectrum of clients, whereas some treat a specialized disorder like Alzheimer’s.
Your loved one can attend day care during the day and return home at night. For many families, the programs provide a means to provide caregivers with a break while allowing their loved ones to remain in their homes and maintain some of their independence for as long as possible.
Some centers provide only adult day-care services, but programs are also available at a different kind of care facility, including a nursing home or an assisted-living residence.
Adult day care services typically provide:
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Meals
- Social activities, such as crafts, music, movies, and community projects
- Transportation, assistance, and assistance with daily care such as bathing, eating, dressing, and grooming
- Health care services from professional health care providers, such as registered nurses and therapists
How to Select a Day Care
Discover the centers providing adult day care near you. Local churches and senior centers should have a list of programs in the area. You can also contact assisted-living facilities and nursing homes.
Find out about the center’s application process, who they serve, and take a look at sample menus and activity calendars.
Once you’ve done some basic research, there are a few things to consider:
- How long the program has been open
- Who owns or sponsors it
- When they’re open
- How much does it cost?
- Will it be covered by insurance?
- If they provide transportation to and from the center
The best way to get an idea of what a day care is like is to see it yourself. Arrange a tour of the center for yourself and your loved one. A few things to remember when you visit:
- Is the staff welcoming?
- Does the center feel and smell clean?
- Is there a sick room for individuals to go to when they are not feeling well?
- What type of licensing or credentials do the employees possess?
- Do volunteers assist?
- What is the ratio of staff to clients? (Six clients to one staff person is ideal).
- Can you examine a list of references?
The majority of states have a requirement that adult day-care centers be licensed and in some cases certified. To locate licensed and certified facilities in your state and to obtain more information on adult day care, go to the eldercare.gov web site.
Adult day care costs are different in each location. Company- or faith-based centers can be more affordable alternatives. Depending on whether your loved one receives medical care such as physical or speech therapy from the program, Medicare, Medicaid, or veteran benefits might cover some of the expenses.
At 2nd Home Community, we understand the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Our Adult Day Care program is designed to offer peace of mind to caregivers while providing a safe, engaging, and supportive space for your loved one. From personalized care plans to enriching activities and attentive medical support, our compassionate team is here to help families thrive—together.
Whether you’re seeking a few hours of respite or a more structured daytime care solution, 2nd Home Community offers the comfort, professionalism, and heart that families deserve.
We invite you to visit us, meet our dedicated staff, and explore how our services can make a meaningful difference in your caregiving journey. Contact 2nd Home Community today to schedule a tour and discover a place where your loved one will be treated with dignity, compassion, and care—just like family.