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For older adults who are living at home, senior day services can provide both social and health and wellness support to them in their local communities. There are many different types of senior day services, ranging from informal groups for older adults to regulated, structured programs. Formal senior day services typically operate during normal business hours on weekdays, although some services may offer extended weeknight or weekend hours. Participants may attend senior day services from one to five days per week. This fact sheet will provide an overview of the most common types of formal senior day services, with a focus on California. It is important to note that terminology and regulations vary from state to state. Services, eligibility requirements, and payment options vary by service or program.
Community Centers/Senior Centers
Community centers and senior centers cater to older adults who are generally physically and cognitively healthy and independent, and need no or minimal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These centers typically provide activities and other social engagement opportunities, and may also provide nutrition programs and transportation.
Fees vary but are typically privately paid. Assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Licensing and regulations for community centers and senior centers vary, depending on the programs offered. These centers may be operated privately, or by the city or county government or other government agency.
Adult Day Program
Adult Day Programs (ADP), previously known as adult day care, cater to older adults (in most cases, age 60 and older) who have physical and/or cognitive health issues and need regular assistances with ADLs and/or IADLs, personal care, and/or supervision. ADPs provide dining, transportation, activities, and other social engagement opportunities. They also provide additional personalized care services, such as medication management, and may provide case management/social services. ADPs may offer a specialized program for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, known as an Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Center (ADCRC). ADPs typically do not have nursing staff.
ADPs are typically privately paid. Fee structures vary, from hourly fees to a flat rate, and are usually based on the level of support needed. Medicare and Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) generally do not pay for ADPs, although there may be local or specialized programs that may cover a portion of the cost. Long-term care insurance may cover part of the cost, depending on the plan.
ADPs are licensed and regulated by the California Department of Social Services.
Adult Day Health Care
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) programs cater to older adults (in most cases, age 60 and older) who have physical and/or cognitive health issues, need regular assistance with ADLs and/or IADLs and/or supervision, and may be eligible for a skilled nursing facility. ADHCs provide dining, transportation, case management/social services, and activities and other social engagement opportunities. They also provide additional personalized care services, such as medication management, as well as nursing care, mental health services, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. ADHCs may offer a specialized program for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, known as an Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Center (ADCRC). ADHCs have nursing staff.
ADHCs may be paid for privately or by Medi-Cal or the Veterans Administration (VA). Fee structures vary, from hourly fees to a flat rate, and are usually based on the level of support needed. Long-term care insurance and Medicare may cover a portion of the cost, depending on the plan. There may also be local or specialized programs that may cover a part of the cost.
ADHCs are licensed and regulated by the California Department of Public Health.