Adult Day Health Services
Your Guide to Selecting Adult Day Health Services
Adult Day Centers provide a planned program that includes a variety of health, social and support services in a protective setting during daytime hours. This is a community-based service designed to meet the individual needs of adults who may be physically impaired, socially isolated, in need of assistance with personal care, mentally confused, and/or limited in their ability to function independently within the community.
Step #1 - Decide what you want.
Decide what you and your loved one want from attending the adult day center.
What does your loved one want or need?
- A safe, secure environment?
- Social activities?
- Assistance with eating, walking, toileting, medicines?
- Therapies: physical, speech, occupational?
- Health monitoring: blood pressure, food or liquid intake, medication, administration, weight?
- Nutritious meals and snacks?
- Exercise?
- Mental stimulation?
- Personal care: bathing, shampoos, shaving?
What do you need?
- Occasional free time?
- Coverage while working?
- Transportation?
- Support?
- Assistance in planning for care?
- Peace of mind that your loved one is in a safe, stimulating, nurturing environment?
Step #2 - Find adult day centers.
Identify services in your area. For names and phone numbers of the adult day centers, call: Minnesota Adult Day Services Association, (763) 464-2698.
Step #3 - Call for more information.
Call the adult day center and ask for a flier or brochure, eligibility criteria, a monthly activity calendar, a menu and application procedures.
Step #4 - Know what to ask.
Look for the following information in the material received:
- Owner or sponsoring agency
- Years of operation
- License
- Hours of operation
- Days open
- Transportation
- Cost: hourly or daily charge, other charges, financial assistance
- Conditions accepted - such as memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence
- Staff credentials
- Number of staff per participant
- Activities provided: Is there variety and choice of individual and group activities?
- Menu: appeal, balance, special diets.
Step #5 - Pay a visit.
After reviewing materials, make an appointment to visit the center or centers that might meet your needs.
Step #6 - Check references.
Check references. Talk to two or three people who have used the center you are considering. Ask for their opinion.
Step #7 - Try it out.
Select a day center. Staff will meet with you in an initial conference to discuss your needs and interests. It sometimes takes several visits for new participants to feel comfortable in a new setting and with a new routine. If you have questions or are experiencing any problems, ask for a conference. Staff may have suggestions to make the transition easier both at home and at the day center.
Step #8 - Take care of yourself.
Relax. Your loved one is being well cared for. Remember, your loved one may not be able to recall all the activities enjoyed during the day. The staff gladly will provide the missing details. The day center staff is there for you, too. Ask for:
- Tips to make care giving easier.
- Additional resources available in the community.
For further information on Adult Day Care Services, contact:
Minnesota Adult Day Services Association
(763) 464-2698 or go to www.madsa.org
Source: Minnesota Adult Day Services Association.
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