For over 25 years Adult Day Services (also sometimes called Adult Day Care or Adult Day Centers) have been a practical way for older adults and younger disabled adults to get many of their needs met in a day program. It has also been an excellent alternative to long-term nursing home or institutional care.
Adult Day Services may care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, developmental disabilities, chronic mental illness, mental retardation, brain trauma and other physical and mental disabilities. Some Adult Day Service programs may have specialties. In recent years some wonderful building and program designs have been developed for those with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Visit the Adult Day Service Programs on this site to explore your possible options.
Some families who are caregivers for a disabled person, young or old, may use Adult Day Services for respite care once a week or several times a week. (Respite care gives a break from caregiving.) The care-receiver may also attend Day Services while the family goes to work.
Adult Day Services aren't for everyone but those who benefit from it the most are those who need social interaction, supervision (can't be left alone at home), or assistance with eating, walking, toileting, dressing and bathing. The Day Centers offer a wide variety of supportive care and services that may include physical, occupational, speech, recreational and music therapy, meals, transportation, bathing, hair and nail care along with medical and mental health services. Nursing services may include treatment, education and consultation. The services which the centers offer are listed individually on this site.
An individual should receive services tailored to their needs, so before entering a program the individual should be assessed by a center's professional staff. If the center determines the individual is appropriate and they can meet their needs an individual care plan is developed. Not every center can offer all the services necessary to meet every persons needs. Centers in urban areas may provide a broad range of services and there may be more skilled specialties offered.
Activities may include current event discussions, reminiscing, arts and crafts, health education, exercise, swimming, supervised cooking, bible study and music. There may be specialty activities for those who have special needs along with the ability to wander safely in a non-disturbing and secure area, aroma therapy even massages. There are opportunities to broaden knowledge and learn new skills (such as emailing grandkids or researching a family tree). Participants are encouraged to express themselves and the staff will help find ways to make their time at the center meaningful.
Adult Day Programs and Services are less expensive than nursing home or institutional care. The costs for adult day programs and services differ from center to center based on what programming is included in the fee. Many people are private pay. Some of the skilled therapies that meet Medicare and Medicaid guidelines may be covered. There may be assistance through local county programs especially if it becomes critical to assisting a person in staying out of a nursing home. Fees in the Milwaukee area range from around $30 to $50 day. Some programs may have a sliding fee or offer a reduced rate to those who are low income based on their ability to pay. Some families give "respite" days as a gift to a caregiver.
When selecting an Adult Day Services Program for yourself or a loved one it is suggested that you visit several if possible. Many programs have the prospective participant come and visit for part of a day. It is important to make sure that the staff and center can provide the care you need. Ask about the staff's training and credentials. Are there other individuals at the center with similar needs? Is the program integrated or are there specialized needs programs. What services are included in the daily fee and what services may be purchased separately? Is the facility neat, clean and without odors?
Adult Day Service Programs are licensed by the State of Wisconsin. They are inspected when they apply for their license. Unless there is a complaint they are inspected once every two years by the Department of Health and Family Services, Bureau of Quality Assurance (BQA). You may contact the BQA by calling (414) 227-5000 or find them in the Department of Health and Family Services web site at http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us