Selecting Adult Day Services (ADS)
- Decide what you want and need
- Locate adult day centers
- Call the center for more information
- Know what to ask
- Pay a visit
- Check references
- Try it out
- Take care of yourself
Step 1: Decide what you want and need.
Decide what you and your loved one want (or need) from an adult day center.
What does your loved one want or need?
- A safe, secure environment?
- Social activities?
- Assistance with eating, walking, using the toilet, or medicines?
- Therapies: physical, speech, or occupational?
- Health monitoring: blood pressure, food or liquid intake, medication administration, or weight control?
- Nutritious meals and snacks?
- Exercise?
- Mental stimulation?
- Personal care: bathing, shampoos, and shaving?
What do you need?
- Occasional free time?
- Coverage while you work?
- Transportation?
- Support?
- Assistance with planning for your loved one’s care?
- Peace of mind that your loved one is in a safe, nurturing environment?
Step 2: Locate adult day centers.
Identify services in your area. Use the Locator page or call MADSA at 763–464–2698
Step 3: Call the adult day center for more information.
When you call, ask for:
- Brochure or flyer
- Eligibility criteria
- Monthly activity calendar
- Menu
- Application procedures.
Step 4: Know what to ask.
When you get the material from the center, look for the following information:
- Owner or sponsoring agency
- Years of operation
- License
- Hours of operation
- Days open
- Transportation
- Cost (hourly or daily charge, other charges, financial assistance, and funding).
- Conditions accepted (such as memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence).
- Staff credentials
- Number of staff per participant
- Activities — Is there a variety and choice of individual and group activities?
- Menu (appeal, balance, and special diets).
Check the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ website for more ideas.
Step 5: Pay a visit.
After reviewing materials, make an appointment to visit a center or centers that might fit your needs.
Step 6: Check references.
Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are considering. Ask their opinion.
Step 7: Try it out.
Select a day center. Staff will meet with you in an initial conference to discuss your needs and interests. It sometimes takes several hours for new participants to feel comfortable in a new setting 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 center.
Step 8: Take care of yourself.
Relax. Your loved one is being well cared for. Remember, your loved one might not be able to recall all the activities enjoyed during the day. The staff will happily provide the missing details.
The day center staff is there for you. Ask for tips to make care giving easier and additional resources available in the community.
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