Adult Day Centers

What are Adult Day Centers?

Adult Day Centers provide the opportunity for older adults to get out of the house during the day in a safe and fulfilling way. The programs offered typically include meals, assistance with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), socialization, and activities. Their goal is to keep people mentally stimulated and active during the day. Participating in Adult Day programs is not only beneficial to the older adult, primary caregivers often need time to run errands, take care of personal business, or enjoy some relaxing respite. This type of program may also allow someone to remain in their home longer.

What is the difference between an Adult Day Center and a Senior Center?

The main difference is the availability of medical care and care services. Senior centers are great for active seniors who are independent and do not need any assistance activities of daily living. While they typically have support staff and volunteers, they are not there to provide care. Adult Day Centers offer a light to moderate level of care, including assistance with ADLs, such as medication management and toileting, and more supervision and direction during activities.

What kind of activities and services do Adult Day Centers offer?

The activities offered at each Adult Day Center may vary, but the concept is the same. Their goals are to provide opportunities for physical advancements, enhance self-worth, facilitate interpersonal relationships, reduce isolating behaviors and stimulate intellectual and spiritual growth, all while giving the primary caregiver a break! Many facilities also include caregiver support, transportation assistance, and affordable payment options. Some assisted living communities offer day programs in additions to their long-term care options.

Adult Day Center services may include:

  • Nutritionally balanced, medically appropriate meals
  • Medication management
  • Personal services, including bathroom & meal assistance
  • Licensed nursing care (LPN, RN, CNA)
  • Case Management assistance
  • Social Worker & Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • Functional and occupational therapies
  • Daily exercise
  • Social & recreational therapies
  • Clubs (ex. Hobby Club, Cooking Club, The Electric Train Club)
  • Quilting Circles and other crafts
  • Gardening programs
  • Daily Devotional
  • Happy Hour
  • Caregiver support groups

When are Adult Day Centers a good option?

Adult Day Centers are great for someone needing minimal to moderate assistance with ADLs, but they are not appropriate for anyone who is wandering or actively exit-seeking. It is an excellent option for someone who is not ready to make a move, but needs supervision during the day while a spouse or family member/caregiver is at work. Adult Day Centers are an affordable option for isolated older adults in need of socializing with others in the community. The programs are ideal for someone who is physically or cognitively challenged and mobile with the assistance of a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

Local Adult Day Centers

Two prime examples of Adult Day Centers are Mount Hood Adult Day Center near Portland, Oregon and EADS (Elder & Adult Day Services) near Seattle, WA.

Mount Hood Adult Day Center is located in Gresham (a few miles east of Portland) and is one of the best in the area. Cathy Fallon-Weeg, the Community Relations Director, is dedicated to serving her community and passionate about helping others. The center boasts around nine activities a day, all of which you can find in their monthly printed newsletter or online calendar. The center is bright and clean and the staff is always welcoming. Your first day is free-of-charge – because they know you’ll be back!

EADS is a nonprofit organization that has been around since 1984. Starting with one center, there are now three locations in the Puget Sound – Bellevue, Des Moines, and Bainbridge Island. Each location is warm and welcoming with an experienced staff made up of program assistants, RNs, LPNs, Occupational Therapists, and Social Workers. They work with you to develop an Individual Achievement Plan (IAP) for your loved one that goes far beyond their physical needs. Amber Schneider is the Center Director in Bellevue. She is devoted to enriching the lives of seniors and their families.