Question 1

What is adult day care?

Accepted Answer

Adult day care is supervised daytime care in a group setting for seniors and adults with disabilities. Participants attend on set weekdays, take part in activities, eat a meal and a snack, and have staff with them the whole time, then go home the same afternoon.

Question 2

What is another name for adult day care?

Accepted Answer

Adult day services, adult day program, adult day center, and adult day health care all describe the same type of program. Families and agencies use the terms interchangeably, so you may see any of them on a referral or funding document.

Question 3

Who is adult day care for?

Accepted Answer

Adults who should not be alone during the day, and who can take part in a group setting with staff support. That includes seniors with health conditions, limited mobility, or memory change, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The assessment confirms whether the program can meet the person's needs.

Question 4

How is an adult day center different from a nursing home or assisted living?

Accepted Answer

Participants live at home and come to the center only on their scheduled days, then go home the same afternoon. Nursing homes and assisted living are places people move into. Adult day services cost less because you are paying for daytime hours rather than housing.

Question 5

Do you support participants with dementia or memory loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support participants living with memory loss, using activities, routines, and cueing suited to where they are. During the assessment we review wandering risk, behaviors, and supervision needs so we can confirm the program is safe for them.

Question 6

What does a typical day include?

Accepted Answer

Arrival and greeting, a group activity such as seated exercise or music, lunch, a quieter afternoon block, and a snack before the ride home. Activities run at more than one ability level so everyone has something they can join.

Question 7

Are meals provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A meal and a snack are served on every program day. Dietary needs, allergies, and texture-modified diets are recorded in the care plan at the assessment and followed in the kitchen.

Question 8

Is nursing or health support available during the day?

Accepted Answer

Nursing staff support health needs during the program day, including medication support and routine checks such as blood pressure. Anything that needs a physician's order is reviewed at the assessment before the first day.

Question 9

Do you provide transportation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on program days, to and from the center. Coverage depends on your address, so call us and we will confirm whether the route reaches you before you plan a schedule.

Question 10

Can my family member attend part-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families choose which weekdays to attend, and the schedule can change later with a phone call. Some funding programs limit the number of days they cover, which our staff review with you.

Question 11

How much do you pay for adult day care?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on how many days a week the participant attends and on who is paying. Many families pay nothing out of pocket because a Medicaid or Veterans program covers the day rate. Our staff give you the current rate and review your likely coverage on the first call.

Question 12

How much is adult day care per week?

Accepted Answer

The weekly amount depends on how many days the participant attends, which is set at the assessment along with the schedule. Many families use Medicaid coverage and pay little or nothing per week, and our staff give you the current rate on the first call.

Question 13

Will Medicaid pay for adult day care?

Accepted Answer

In Pennsylvania, eligible participants can often have adult day care covered through Medicaid long-term services programs such as Community HealthChoices. Eligibility depends on financial and needs criteria, and our staff help families check eligibility and gather the paperwork.

Question 14

Will Medicare pay for adult day care?

Accepted Answer

Medicare generally does not cover adult day care. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited supplemental benefits that may help, so it is worth checking your plan documents. If Medicare will not cover it, we help families identify other funding.

Question 15

Does insurance pay for adult day care?

Accepted Answer

Long-term care insurance policies often pay for adult day care, and Veterans benefits may as well. Coverage depends on the specific policy or benefit, so bring the plan documents to the tour and our staff will look at them with you.

Question 16

What happens if we can't afford care?

Accepted Answer

Talk to us anyway. We help families explore Medicaid, county Area Agency on Aging programs, and Veterans benefits, and there is no cost to ask.

Question 17

Can I pay privately?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families can pay privately by the day, with no funding application involved, which is also how some families start while a Medicaid application is still pending.

Question 18

What day programs are available for adults with disabilities in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Our IDD adult services program is a weekday day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with skill building, community activities, and job readiness. We work with supports coordinators and waiver programs, and you can read the details on our IDD adult services page.

Question 19

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Call us and tell us which hours need covering and what health support is involved. Next comes a tour and an assessment at the center, and after that we set the days of attendance and the transportation stop with your family.

Question 20

Can we visit before enrolling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families are welcome to tour the center during a program day, meet the staff, see the activities, and ask questions before deciding anything.

Question 21

What should we bring on the first day?

Accepted Answer

A current medication list, emergency contact numbers, insurance or waiver information, comfortable clothing and closed shoes, and any daily-use items such as glasses, hearing aids, or a walker.

Adult Day Care Questions From Philadelphia Families

Understanding Adult Day Care

Daily Experience

Cost and Funding

Programs for Adults With Disabilities

Getting Started