Have Strategy For Checking Out Adult Day Care

The following are suggested steps to take and questions to ask when considering adult day care services for your older adult.

Decide what you and your loved one want and need from the adult day program.

What does your loved one want and/or need?

• A safe, secure environment
• Social activities
• Assistance with eating, walking, toileting, medicines
• Therapies – physical, speech, occupational
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Health monitoring – blood pressures, blood sugars, nutrition assessment, weight
• A special diet
• Exercise
• Mental stimulation
• Personal care – bathing, shampoos, hairstyling, shaving, skin care

What do you need?

• Occasional free time
• Coverage while you are working
• Transportation
• Support
• Assistance in planning for care

Call the adult day service in your community and ask for information to be sent to you.  Ask for eligibility criteria, monthly activities and menus calendars, and application procedures.

Also, tell them you want literature that provides the following information:

• Owner or sponsoring agency
• Years of operation
• License or certification
• Existing state and national standards/guidelines the service must meet
• Hours and days of operation
• Transportation availability
• Cost – hourly or daily charge, other charges and financial assistance
• Conditions accepted – such as memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence
• When medical referrals are needed for clients
• Criteria for receiving service and guidelines for termination of services 
• Staff members’ and volunteers’ credentials, training and screening
• Number of staff per participant
• Indoor and outdoor activities provided – is there a variety and choice of individual and group activities?
• Menu – appeal and nutritional balance

After reviewing the materials, make an appointment to visit the center(s) that may meet your needs.  Take the following list and complete while touring or fill out answers immediately after visiting to remember the details of each center.

Site Visit Checklist

• Did you feel welcome?
• Did someone spend time finding out what you and your loved one want and need?
• Did someone clearly explain what services and activities the center provides?
• Did they present information about staffing, programs, procedures, costs and what is expected of caregivers?
• Was the facility clean, pleasant and free of odors?
• Were the building, rooms and bathrooms wheelchair accessible?
• Was there sturdy, comfortable furniture? Loungers for relaxation? Chairs with arms?
• Is there a quiet place for family conferences?
• Did you see cheerful, smiling faces on staff and participants?
• Does the center have active volunteers?
• Are participants involved in planning activities or making other suggestions?       
• Does the center develop an individualized treatment plan for participants and monitor it regularly, adjusting the plan as necessary?

Talk to two or three people (family caregivers or older adults) who have used the center(s) you are considering. Ask for their opinion of their loved oneís experiences.

Step 5: Try It Out

Select the day center that best meets your needs and try it.  It sometimes takes several visits for participants to feel comfortable in a new setting and with a new routine.  If you have questions or experience any problems, ask for a conference.  Staff may have suggestions on how to make the transition easier both at home and at the center.

Call the Family Caregiver Support Network at (414) 220-8600 or visit the program’s web site– www.caregiversupportnetwork.org

Adult Day Services

Supportive Home Care

The Living at Home cost sheet

Deciding and Touring Checklist

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