Adult Day Services Programs
Adult Day Services programs offer an alternative to nursing home care for those who do not need 24-hour skilled nursing. Adult day services often assist working caregivers to balance the needs of work and caregiving responsibilities as
well as respite for full-time family caregivers. These programs are designed to help people stay mentally and physically active, while reducing their isolation, improving their health, and preventing decline of their abilities.
Individuals typically attend a center in their community two to five times a week, based on their individual need. All programs either provide or can assist with transportation arrangements. Program hours typically range from four to eight hours a day.
However, some centers offer extended hours to accommodate working caregivers. Many centers also provide caregiver support groups and training.
Services vary from center to center but may include therapeutic activities such as art, singing, age-appropriate games, health monitoring, social work, meals, dietary counseling, physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Some programs focus on a specific population -- for example those who share a similar cultural or ethnic background or younger adults with head injuries or developmental disabilities. Families also receive help with information and referral to other services, as needed.
Adult day services are provided in two types of licensed settings, Adult Day Program (ADP) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC).
A table showing the differences between ADP and ADHC licensed settings
| Category |
Adult Day Program (ADP) |
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) |
| Description |
Community-based programs providing assistance with personal care, activities of daily living, and/or supervision for the participant’s protection on less than a 24-hour basis. Serves adults age 18 and over. |
Community-based programs providing an organized day program of health, therapeutic, and social services. Programs serve frail older adults and younger adults with chronic disabling medical, cognitive, or mental
health conditions who are at risk of institutional placement. Serves adults age 18 and over. |
| Services Provided |
|
|
| Individual Plan of Care |
Required |
Required |
| Activity Program |
Required |
Required |
| Dietary Services |
Required |
Required |
| Meal/Snack |
Required |
Required |
| Personal Care & Supervision |
Required |
Required |
| Transportation |
Provide, arrange, or assist |
Provide or arrange |
| Medications |
Assist with self-administration |
Administered by registered nurse |
| Social Services |
Not required |
Required |
| Skilled Nursing |
Not required |
Required |
| Physician Services |
Not required |
Required |
| Mental Health Services |
Not required |
Required |
| Occupational Therapy |
Not required |
Required |
| Physical Therapy |
Not required |
Required |
| Speech Therapy |
Not required |
Required |
| Payment Sources |
- Private Payment
- Regional Center (for participants with Developmental Disabilities)
- Veteran’s Administration
- Area Agencies on Aging
|
- Medi-Cal (for participants who meet the Medi-Cal CBAS eligibility criteria)
- Private Payment
- Regional Center (for participants with Developmental Disabilities)
- Area Agencies on Aging
|
| State Oversight |
California Department of Social Services |
California Department of Aging |
| Find a program in your area |
Adult Day Program (ADP) |
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) |
Both ADPs and ADHCs may serve persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, complex physical, mental or developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments or other chronic disabling conditions.
An Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC) is a specialized program within either the ADP or ADHC setting. ADCRCs uniquely address psychosocial, mental, functional, and cognitive
needs of persons with dementia by assisting them to function at their highest level, while providing the caregiver support and respite.