ADULT DAY CARE CENTER

Adult Day Care centers are community-based programs that provide non-medical care to persons 18 years of age or older in need of personal care services, supervision or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual. They are not residential facilities. Persons who benefit from adult day care include individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, those who are socially isolated and at risk for poor nutrition, depression or abuse, and anyone who needs daytime supervision care. In addition, the caregiver receives the benefit of respite from 24-hour caregiving duties.

The types of services typically provided by Adult Day Care centers include:

• Therapeutic activities

• Health monitoring

• Supervision

• Personal care/ Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

• Nutritional meals and snacks

• Caregiver support groups or referral to other programs

• The State Department of Social Services licenses Adult Day Care centers and reviews programs annually. Adult Day Care centers are not eligible for Medi-Cal certification.

The staff requirements for Adult Day Care centers are:

• Administrator

• Direct care staff as needed to meet individual participant needs

• Ratio of 1:15 direct care staff to participants

• Support staff, as needed

• Volunteers may be used to supplement staff

• Direct care staff or volunteers must be fingerprinted and undergo a background screen.

There are no requirements for a multidisciplinary team assessment or individual plan of care. However, many programs do conduct an initial social assessment and by law must obtain a health and T.B. test clearance from the personal physician.

• Adult Day Care center programs are funded through a variety of sources:

• Client fees (out-of-pocket) account for the major source of funding

• Federal Older Americans' Act funds through area agencies on aging

• Scholarships from Caregiver Resource Centers

• Public and private grants

• Donations, gifts, etc.

• Long term care insurance, if a community-based insurance product is available

These programs are not eligible for Medi-Cal reimbursement. Low-income persons may be eligible for reduced fees and scholarships. Programs serving persons with developmental disabilities may receive State funding through contracts with regional centers.

For more information, visit the California Department of Social Services.