Adult day care is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to get the care and socialization they need without making a full move to a senior living community. It’s also a great option for caregivers to have a well-deserved break from their caregiving duties during the day.

There are over 7,500 adult day care centers in the U.S., 430 of which are in Florida. Over half of these centers are nonprofit, being operated by local governments, hospitals, universities, national groups, religious organizations, and more. Some are affiliated with or located within senior living communities or senior centers.

A 2017 study published in the journal The Gerontologist showed that adult day care centers had health-related, social, behavioral, and psychological benefits for seniors, especially those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Let’s explore all the benefits of adult day care further and see if it could be a good option for you or a loved one! 

What is Adult Day Care?

Adult day care is a professional, non-residential care setting for seniors in need of supervised care and companionship during the day. Most adult day care centers operate on weekdays during regular business hours, though some offer extended hours on weekdays or evenings. 

At adult day care centers, seniors can participate in various activities and social opportunities while receiving assistance with activities of daily living. 

Adult day care centers can also provide respite care so caregivers can have relief from their caregiving duties during the work week. This break can be instrumental in preventing caregiver burnout. In fact, a 2021 study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health showed that both seniors with dementia and their caregivers got a better sleep with fewer disturbances on nights before the senior attended adult day care. 

What are the 3 types of Adult Day Care Centers?

There are 3 main types of adult day care centers: 

1.  Social Adult Day Care: Based around socialization, companionship and recreation

2. Adult Day Health Care: Focused on health and various therapeutic services; often has trained nurses on staff

3. Specialized Adult Day Care: Intended specifically for seniors with conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s or certain disabilities

What services are offered at Adult Day Care Centers?

Adult day care services can vary based on the specific center. However, they are all focused on improving seniors’ quality of life and offering many social opportunities and engaging activities.  Most even provide coffee, snacks, and a healthy lunch for attendees.

Some frequent activities and services offered at adult day care centers include:

• Social and recreational activities such as music, art, bingo, cards, holiday celebrations, discussion groups, book clubs, and more
• Counseling
• Fitness classes
• Personal care, or help with activities of daily living such as grooming, dressing, eating, and toileting
• Educational opportunities and workshops
• Health screenings
• Physical and occupational therapy 
• Medication management
• Transportation
• Respite care
• Health services
• Nutrition
• Pet, art, and music therapy
• Community service opportunities
• And more!

What are the benefits of adult day care?

There are many benefits of seniors attending adult day care. Some of the major benefits for seniors are as follows:

• They can spend time in a safe, secure environment, giving peace of mind to families and caregivers.
• They can have meaningful social interactions to prevent isolation and cognitive decline. 
• They can participate in enjoyable activities that reduce stress and improve their mood and sense of purpose.
• They can engage in brain-boosting activities like lectures, classes, card games, book groups, and more.
• They can improve their physical health through fitness classes and other activities.
• They can receive needed senior care without making a full move to an assisted living community.
• Caregivers can have a much-needed break from caregiving duties, helping to prevent caregiver burnout. 

When should seniors consider adult day care?

Seniors may want to consider adult day care when they:

• Do not need full-time supervision or assisted living care, but could use some help with activities of daily living
• Need assistance structuring their day-to-day routine
• Could benefit from supervision in a safe environment during the day
• Are beginning to feel isolated or lonely and could use regular social interaction and emotional support
• Need more stimulation and engagement
• Have a caregiver who works outside of the home, is away from home frequently, or needs a break from caregiving duties during the daytime

How much does adult day care cost?

The prices of adult day care can vary based on the location, services offered, and duration of stay. Most centers are billed on a daily or hourly basis.

Generally, adult day care can range from $25 to over $100 per day, or about $500 to $2,000 per month. According to Genworth, the 2023 median cost of adult day care in Florida is $1,609 per month, or about $80 per day. 

Medicare does not usually cover adult day care attendance. However, some financial assistance may be available through federal or state programs including Medicaid, Older Americans Act, and Veterans Health Administration (read more about using Florida Veterans Benefits here).

Other ways to pay for adult day care include long-term care insurance, private pay insurance, and out of pocket.

How do I find adult day care?

One great resource for finding adult day care centers in your area is through the National Adult Day Services Association (NASDA). Click here to find a center from their website.

Another excellent resource is the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Click here to access the locator tool, or call 1-800-677-1116 for assistance.

Next steps

Adult day care is a wonderful option for seniors who need more engagement, interaction, supervision, or assistance. It is also a great solution for caregivers to have a break from their duties during the day. 

Not only that, but adult day care is also a great first step to transitioning to assisted living. Going from living at home directly to a senior living community full time can be a big and often difficult transition for older adults. Adult day care is a great “middle ground” option that can help seniors transition more smoothly to assisted living if it becomes necessary.

Florida Senior Consulting is another great resource for ensuring a smooth transition to assisted living. We guide you every step of the way and help find your dream community, all at no cost to you!

Enjoy a maintenance-free, resort lifestyle with peace of mind, safety, and well-being.

When you’re ready to take the next step to live your best life in your golden years, give us a call at (800) 969-7176, or visit FloridaSeniorConsulting.com! 

Senior Living on Your Terms. The Choice Should Be Yours.