How to Pick an Adult Day Care Center

If you are trying to find the right adult day center, you want to make sure your parent will be happy and well-cared-for. Adult day care can be a godsend, but choosing the right one for your parent will give you peace of mind and less any guilt you may feel leaving the parent. The following checklist will help guide you in choosing a place that will meet your needs, as well as those of your elderly parent.

Tips for Choosing a Senior Center

Location of the Adult Day Care Center

  • Is the center easily accessible?
  • Can the elderly parent get to the facility?
  • Is transportation available?
  • Is there an extra charge for transportation?

Licensing

  • How long has the day care facility been in business?
  • Is the adult 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?

Hours and Cost

  • What days and hours is the adult day care open?
  • What is the policy concerning late arrival or late pick-up?
  • What is the cost of care? Does the adult day care center charge hourly, daily, or weekly?
  • Does the caregiver have to commit to a minimum amount of service, i.e., at least 2 days a week?
  • Is financial assistance available? Is there a sliding scale, Medicaid, or other funding available to help you pay the cost?
  • Are all activities included in the cost?
  • Are meals included in the cost? Are the meals well-balanced?

Level of Care

Does the facility accept elders who:

  • Are incontinent?
  • Are in wheelchairs?
  • Have memory loss?
  • Have difficulties in speaking?
  • Wander?
  • Have special dietary requirements?
  • Have behavioral problems?

Staff

  • What is the elder-to-staff ratio?
  • Does this ratio meet state standards?
  • What professional staff is available to help with care planning and concerns?
  • Is the staff pleasant to the elders?

Activities

  • Are there individual and group activities?
  • What activities are provided?
  • Are the activities stimulating? Exercise, music, crafts, memory sharing, etc.
  • Do elders interact with each other? Do they seem to enjoy their time at the facility?
  • Is the day care facility clean, odorless, and pleasant to visit? Does the facility have comfortable furniture for activities and for relaxation?

Special Needs

  • Are individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s separated from other participants or included in activities?
  • 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?
  • Does the facility provide other conveniences/benefits such as blood pressure checks, annual immunizations, hair styling services, bathing, or dental check-ups?
  • 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

Fidelity Home Health Care is a full-service health care agency that is owned and managed by a Registered Nurse with 18 years of extensive clinical experience in direct patient care in hospital settings. We provide home care services to the residents of Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Doylestown, Warrington, Warwick, Warminster, Northampton, Upper Southampton, Lower Southampton, Richboro, Churchville, Newtown, Feasterville, Langhorne, Penndel, Hulmeville areas. Please contact us online or call 215-710-0515 today to learn more about us and give us an opportunity to help you.

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One thought on “How to Pick an Adult Day Care Center

  1. John Mahoney says:

    I appreciate you talking about the importance of choosing an adult daycare that is properly licensed by the right organizations. My wife is looking for a place to take care of her mom while we are at work and I want to help her with it. It is important to remember to consult with your loved ones about what type of place they would want to be in and make sure you take it into account as you do your research. http://www.couleeregionadultdaycenter.com/services

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