Adult day programs can improve lives for both caregivers and older adults, offering a safe place where creativity and relationships can flourish. If you and your loved one are considering an adult day program, you’ll want to ensure you choose one that fits your needs and priorities. The right adult day center can be an invaluable partner in your loved one’s care.
What Is an Adult Day Program?
An adult day program offers a safe, supportive, and socially engaging environment for adults over the age of 45 during the day. Adult day participants are typically those who benefit from oversight and assistance and rely on help from caregivers when they’re home. When their loved ones are participating in adult day, caregivers can fulfill other obligations or enjoy a break for much-needed self-care. Participants can attend as often as daily or just a couple of times a week, according to their and their caregiver’s needs.
You may also see this programming referred to as “adult day care.” However, this phrase tends to fall short of capturing the enrichment and varied programming included in adult day services. Each program is unique, but the best programs should all aim to infuse participants’ days with encouragement, social interaction, and development, nurturing their minds, bodies, and social well-being.
How to Choose the Right Program for You and Your Loved One
If adult day services would be a helpful resource for you and your loved one, you’ll want to find a program that’s an ideal fit. With more than 5,000 adult day centers in the U.S., choosing the right one may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. These five areas of consideration can help you find the right adult day center and program for your loved one.
1. Look for a convenient location.
Although it may not be your top priority, geographical location can be a helpful starting point to narrow your search. Choosing an adult day program near your home or your loved one’s home can make it fit more conveniently into your routine.
Conduct an online search for adult day centers near you or contact your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or another resource center to learn about programs in your area. In addition to considering the location, you’ll want to look into transportation options to get your loved one to and from the adult day center. Some centers may offer transportation assistance.
2. Compare programming offerings.
Once you have a list of programs you’re interested in, learn what makes these programs distinct. Read the provided materials or speak with a representative to get answers to questions such as:
- What does a typical day look like in the program?
- Does the program include therapies or programming tailored to your loved one’s specific needs?
- How do participants socialize?
- Are meals and snacks provided? What is offered, and how often?
3. Consider pricing and payment options.
You’ll want to learn about costs and payment structures for any programs you’re considering. Fortunately, adult day services are relatively affordable for many families. Additionally, some adult day services organizations offer assistance for families who qualify. You can also explore possible funding sources such as state programs, grants, Medicaid waivers, long-term care insurance, and assistance for veterans.
4. Learn about adult day team members.
When you entrust your loved one’s care and well-being to someone else — even if it’s just for a few hours — you need to have full confidence to enjoy real peace of mind. Learn about team members’ qualifications and, if you take a tour, look for opportunities to speak with them about their passion for caregiving and enrichment. You’ll also want to ask administrators about typical ratios of team members to adult day participants.
5. Plan a trial visit.
Even if you’ve read online and talked with representatives over the phone, there’s no real substitute for experiencing the community and adult day programming in person. If possible, plan to visit the campus and sit in on some programming to ensure the adult day center is a good fit for your loved one. You can also look into trial options to ensure your loved one has a positive experience.
Request a tour of the Dahl or Willowbrook Adult Day Programs from WesleyLife.
Find Freedom and Enrichment in Adult Day Services
Adult day services can breathe new life into your and your loved one’s routine, offering a place for them to connect and grow while you enjoy respite from daily caregiving responsibilities.
WesleyLife offers adult day programs on two of our Iowa campuses. At our Dahl Adult Day Center in Des Moines and our Willowbrook Adult Day Center in Newton, we help older adults — including those with cognitive challenges like dementia — pursue joy through social events, delicious meals and refreshments, and enriching new experiences. Our team members are there to provide person-centered support and make your loved one feel at home.
Ready to enjoy the benefits of adult day and see your loved one flourish? Find a community!
