CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING AN ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY:

• Location of facility
  • Is the facility accessible?
  • Can individual get to facility?
  • Is transportation to the facility available?
  • Is there an extra charge for transportation?
• How long has the day care facility been in business?
• What days and hours is the facility open?
• Is the day care licensed by the state health department or department of social services?
• Has the state health department received any substantiated complaints about the care provided in the facility?
• What is the cost of care? Hourly, daily, or weekly? Must you commit to a minimum amount of service, i.e., at least 2 days/week? Are all activities included in the cost?
• Does the facility accept individuals who:
  • Are incontinent?
  • Are in wheelchairs?
  • Have memory loss?
  • Have difficulties in speaking?
  • Wander?
  • Have special dietary requirements?
  • Have behavioral problems?
• What is the participant to staff ratio? Does this ratio meet state standards? What professional staff is available to help with care planning and concerns?
• What activities are provided?
  • Are there individual and group activities?
  • Are the activities stimulating? Exercise, music, crafts, memory sharing, etc.
  • Are individuals with dementia separated from other participants or included in activities?
• Does the facility provide other conveniences/benefits such as blood pressure checks, annual immunizations, hair styling services, bathing, dental check-ups, etc.?
• What is the policy concerning late arrival or late pick-up?
• Are the meals well-balanced and enjoyed by participants? Are meals included in the cost?
• Is staff willing to spend time finding out what you want and need? Were the programs and activities explained?
• Is the day care facility clean, odorless, and pleasant to visit? Does the facility have comfortable furniture for activities and for relaxation?
• Do participants interact with each other? Do they seem to enjoy their time at the facility?
• Is the staff pleasant to the participants?
• Can the facility accommodate the following special physical or medical requirements:
  • Dispense medicine?
  • Give reminders about taking pills?
  • Assist with toileting or handle incontinence?
  • Provide total access and participation to wheelchair-restricted clients?
  • Effectively communicate with hearing impaired participants?
• Is financial assistance available? Is there a sliding scale, Medicare, Medicaid, or other funding available to help you pay the cost?
• How do they insure safety? How are behavior problems handled? Are there specific behaviors or care needs which would require your loved one’s withdrawal from the program?

Adult day care services provide health, social, and recreational activities in a supportive setting for adults who have functional and/or cognitive impairments that do not need 24-hour care. Some programs offer services in the evenings and on weekends, in addition to standard business hours. Programs may provide services for individuals with specific impairments such as Alzheimer’s or mental illness. Adult day care programs may provide the following services:

State Medicaid programs may pay for health care that is provided in State licensed facilities, including therapy services, mental health services, administration of medications, psychological evaluations, dressing of wounds, and assistance with feeding. Private long-term care insurance may also pay some of these costs, but Medicare will not.