Adult day care and adult day health care are invaluable services that provide seniors with a safe and engaging setting away from home during the day. There, they can enjoy a variety of social programs and activities and receive meals, snacks, and support. These settings can be more engaging than staying at home and help to promote social connection, boost well-being, and enhance quality of life.
Such programs are also valuable for caregivers, offering much-needed respite and the chance to care for their own needs. Because the programs generally run during the workday, they can even help caregivers to continue working while caring for a loved one.
When considering such services, you’ll need to choose between adult day care and adult day health care. Both are day programs that help seniors, but adult day care is for seniors needing minor assistance, supervision, or companionship, whereas adult day health care focuses on more specialized health services and is best suited for seniors with complex needs. Here, we’re examining the differences between the two services to help you make the best decision for your unique situation.
Adult day care
Adult day care, sometimes referred to as social adult day care, primarily focuses on recreation and social interaction while providing basic supervision and personal care assistance. It is an enjoyable environment with plenty of activities to entertain participants. This service is most suitable for largely independent seniors who need only minor support and supervision.
Services offered
Adult day care programs ensure that seniors are safe and supported throughout the day. In addition to supervision and some support with activities of daily living (ADLs), they provide a variety of social activities, such as games, crafts, sing-alongs, discussion groups, local outings, and gentle exercise. Facilities often offer healthy meals, snacks, and transportation to and from the program if needed. Many programs offer medication reminders as well, although they will not administer any medication.
Adult day care activities help seniors remain engaged while promoting physical and mental health. Because they are group activities, seniors get regular social engagement and may develop new friendships through the program.
Beyond activities and assistance, the supervision in adult day care programs ensures that any health issues are quickly noticed. While the program does not directly provide health services, they can contact emergency services or the individual’s family caregiver in the event of a health crisis.
Adult day health care
As the name suggests, adult day health care focuses on medical support, offering a higher level of care than regular adult day care programs. It is helpful for individuals with complex health conditions and those who cannot care for their health needs independently. These programs also ensure that seniors get supervision, personal care assistance, and social and cognitive engagement.
Services offered
Adult day health care offers all the services found in adult day care, including supervision, assistance with ADLs, various social activities, meals, snacks, and transportation when needed. They also provide more specialized services, such as medication administration, skilled nursing care, physical therapy, health monitoring (including blood glucose levels), assistance with incontinence, and support for ongoing health conditions.
Some adult day health care programs have a specialized focus, such as programs designed for seniors with dementia. Such programs allow the services to be even more specifically tailored to the health needs of participants. Some facilities may also offer both adult day care and adult day health care services at the same site, allowing seniors to transition from one type of program to the other as their needs change.
Costs and payment options
Price estimates often combine both adult day care and adult day health care, giving a median cost of $95 a day in 2023. Adult day health care tends to be more expensive, as you pay more for the skilled nursing and medical services that come with it.
The exact price varies depending on the facility, services, reimbursement options, and location. Some states charge much more than others, and some programs may also charge extra for specific services, like transportation. Still, these programs are typically significantly less expensive than one-on-one in-home care.
Original Medicare does not cover costs related to adult day care or adult day health care, although some Medicare Advantage plans may offer some coverage. In contrast, Medicaid can provide support for day care or day health care services through Medicaid waivers, with requirements varying from state to state. Participants in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a joint Medicare and Medicaid service, are also eligible to have adult day and adult day health care covered. Veterans may qualify for some support through VA benefits as well.
State-specific programs may be available to help with the costs of the programs, and some facilities adjust program costs based on income. Families not eligible for such financial support will need to pay for the care out of pocket.
What is best for your loved one?
Adult day care and adult day health care are both valuable choices that offer many benefits. Which is best will be determined by your loved one’s needs. Specifically, if your loved one is mostly independent and only has minor needs, adult day care is an excellent fit. If they have complex medical needs or require more intensive supervision or personal support, adult day health care will be a more helpful service. Regardless of the type you choose, it’s important to research individual day care programs, as the specific services, style, and atmosphere vary from one location to the next.
