Adult day care is designed to relieve a person’s caregiver of daytime duties while providing the proper care for the individual in a safe and caring environment. These services provide care and companionship for older adults who need assistance or supervision, and for those who seek daily interaction. Often in a non-residential facility, adult day cares are typically open during weekday business hours when a family member or caregiver is working. There are three main types of adult day care centers: those focused mainly on social interaction, those that provide medical care, and those dedicated to Alzheimer’s and memory support. You may find an adult day care center that offers all of these services in one place. Adult day care is often affiliated with or located within other senior care organizations such as independent living and assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care communities.

Adult day care centers typically provide:

• Social activities
• Assistance with daily tasks such as eating, taking medicines, toileting, and walking
• Occupational, physical, and speech therapy
• Educational and exercise programs
• Health monitoring and podiatry care
• Preparation of meals and snacks
• Transportation services

There are more than 7,500 adult day care centers in the U.S. that provide services to older adults, according to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA). For family caregivers, adult day care centers offer a break from constant caregiving duties and enable them to continue working without worrying about their loved one’s safety.