About Adult Day Services
- What are adult day centers and what services do they provide?
- Who are adult day services for?
- What are the benefits of adult day services?
- How much do adult day services cost?
- Are adult day centers regulated?
- How do I find a good adult day center?
What are adult day centers and what services do they provide?
Adult day centers are designed to meet the needs of physically impaired or mentally confused adults. Adult day centers provide individualized care for adults who attend their programs.
Adult day center programs are structured and comprehensive, and provide a variety of health, social, and other related support services in a protective setting.
Adult day services can be church sponsored, community-based, or for profit businesses. Centers generally operate programs during normal business hours five days a week, though some offer services in the evenings and on weekends.
MADSA and NADSA (National Adult Day Services Association) have approved three levels of care available within centers. Not all programs provide all levels of care. For more information about the three levels of care, go to the Levels of Care page.
Who are adult day services for?
Adult day services are for adults who are physically impaired or mentally confused, and who may require supervision. Adults attending these programs receive increased social opportunities, and if needed, assistance with personal care and other daily living activities.
What are the benefits of adult day services?
Client Benefits
- Helps mentally and/or physically impaired adults to maintain or improve their level of functioning allowing them to remain in the community.
- Offers participants the opportunity to socialize, enjoy peer support, and receive health and social services in a stimulating and supportive environment that promotes better physical and mental health.
- Helps functionally impaired adults who live alone and need supportive services to improve or maintain their independence.
Caregiver Benefits
- Provides assistance to families and other caregivers who have responsibility for an older adult who cannot be left alone during the day and yet does not require 24 hour nursing care in an institution.
Community Benefits
- Allows many persons to receive support and health services in a central location while not requiring that they move into an alternative setting. In many cases this is more cost effective than either the institutional or home care option.
- Fulfills the public policy objective of giving support to family caregivers by providing them with opportunities for respite or work.
How much do adult day services cost?
Daily fees average $50–$60. The fees for adult day services vary, depending on the location of the center and the range of services the center provides.
The cost of a day at an adult day center is often less than a visit from a home health nurse and about half the cost of skilled nursing facility care.
Funding for adult day services comes from participant fees, and public and philanthropic sources.
Are adult day centers regulated?
In Minnesota adult day centers are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Adult day service regulations differ from state to state and by funding source. (Here are Minnesota’ licensing requirements.) Outside of voluntary NADSA (National Adult Day Services Association) standards, there are no uniform national standards governing the operation of centers or the qualification of staff members.
How do I find a good adult day center?
Use our guide to selecting adult day services, and then use our locator to find Minnesota programs affiliated with MADSA.
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