Adult Day Care Communities

Adult Day Care is a planned program of activities designed to promote well-being though social and health related services.  Adult Day Care centers operate during daytime hours, typically Monday through Friday, in a safe, supportive, and upbeat environment.   Adult Day Care centers have increased in popularity in response to the needs of a rapidly escalating elder population and their caregivers.

Adult Day Care centers provide older adults the opportunity to get out of the house and receive both mental and social stimulation while giving caregivers a much-needed break to attend to personal needs, or simply rest and relaxation.

Good candidates for Adult Day Care are seniors who:

• Can benefit from the friendship and functional assistance Adult Day Care offers,
• May be physically or cognitively challenged but do not require 24-hour supervision,
• Are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
• Can no longer structure his or her own daily activities
• Is isolated and desires companionship
• Can’t be safely left alone at home
• Lives with someone who works outside the home or is frequently away from home

A well-run Adult Day Care center will focus on enriching participants’ lives and building upon their skills, knowledge, and unique abilities and strengths.

Some of the activities that may be available include:

• Arts and crafts
• Musical entertainment and sing-a-longs
• Mental stimulation games such as BINGO
• Stretching or other gentle exercise
• Discussion groups on various topics
• Holiday and birthday celebrations
• Local outings

In addition to recreational activities, some Adult Day Care centers provide transportation to and from the center, social services including counseling and support groups for caregivers, and health support services such as blood pressure monitoring and vision screening.

Benefits of Adult Day Care include:

• A safe, secure environment in which to spend the day
• Enjoyable and educational activities
• Improvement in mental and physical health
• Enhanced or maintained level of independence
• Socialization and peer support
• Nutritious meals and snacks

When researching an Adult Day Care center, start by making a list of most important support and services that you are seeking for yourself and/or your loved one.  Next, be sure to utilize references and resources to research the best Adult Day Care center to meet those needs.  Then, think about spending a day(s) visiting and observing the Adult Day Care centers that you are considering.

The cost for an adult day care center ranges from $25 to $70 or more per day, depending on the location and services provided.  Medicare does not cover Adult Day Care, however, Medicaid will pay most or all of the costs in licensed Adult Day health care settings and Alzheimer’s focused centers, for participants with very low income and few assets. Ask about financial assistance and possible scholarships available at the center.

If you are in need of an Adult Day Care Center in the Santa Barbara, California, area consider Vista Del Monte.  Vista Del Monte is open to Santa Barbara residents and also specializes in care for dementia clients.