 Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Day Services
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There are two basic models of adult day services in Contra Costa:
Adult Social Day Services and Adult
Day Health Care. Within each
of these models, programs may choose to specialize care to specific
populations such as individuals with memory loss. The two distinct
models are described below.
What are Adult Day Services?
Adult day services programs offer daytime care for older adults
and people with disabilities in a group setting. Participants who
have chronic health conditions or who benefit from supervision and
socialization may be picked up at their homes or dropped off by family
members at the day services program. There they will spend a few
hours during the day at a program involved in stimulating activities
and interacting with other participants in a safe environment, which
helps to eliminate falls and injuries, and greatly reduces boredom
and isolation. Programs may vary from one to six days a week, depending
on location.
Adult day services programs provide a wide range of activities and
a safe place for the frail elder to spend the day while the caregiver
is working or needs time away from caregiving duties, called respite.
 What is Adult Day Health Care?
In addition to providing a wide range of activities for people,
an Adult Day Health Care program is prescribed by the participant’s
physician and provides services such as blood pressure and insulin
monitoring, medication reminders, physical therapy, occupational
therapy, and/or speech therapy. Each participant’s care is guided
by a care plan that focuses on maintenance or improvement of well-being.
A registered nurse is on duty at all three Adult Day Health Care
programs in Contra Costa: in El Sobrante, Pleasant Hill, and Antioch.
How do I encourage my family member to attend an adult day services
center?
Resistance and apprehension are natural reactions for anyone faced
with a new situation, especially for people who have not been engaged
in group social activities recently. In general, it takes about one
month for a new person to feel comfortable in a program. While this
adjustment period may be challenging for some, in the long run the
program is beneficial for the individual and the caregiver.
Different approaches can be used to make attendance a positive experience
depending on the individual. When planning a first visit to a center,
review the activity calendar and talk to the center staff about a
particular interest or activity that your family member has. For
example, if your family member is a musician, schedule the first
visit during music therapy or a group sing-a-long. Take the time
to find the right activity that will engage the individual.
Many visitors feel more comfortable if they have a specific role
when they attend. One new person may enjoy “volunteering” for lunch
service, setting the table, serving or clearing the tables. Another
participant may enjoy the job of watering the plants.
Finally, a caregiver could refer to the fact that their family member’s
doctor has recommended adult day services as a way to enhance general
health. A doctor’s referral or prescription is a pre-requisite for
enrollment in the majority of adult day programs.
Ideally, the individual should be strongly encouraged to give the
program a try. Minimize or eliminate the choice to not attend the
program. Let them know that the other individuals and staff will
miss their presence and help if they fail to arrive.
How can I get comfortable letting strangers care for my family member?
Every caregiver needs respite (time for oneself) so he or she can
continue to adequately care for his or her frail elderly or disabled
relative at home. Adult day services centers can provide a break
in your caregiving duties but you, the caregiver, are still responsible
for the vast majority of care. You must take care of yourself in
order to accomplish this. Many times family caregivers will mistakenly
sacrifice themselves by keeping the relative at home because Mom
or Dad makes the statement “I don’t feel like going today.” However,
once your family member becomes familiar with – and accustomed to
– the program, they look forward to new friendships and group interaction.
Confidence that you are doing the right thing is absolutely essential.
Many studies have shown that adult day services is the best approach,
both for the caregiver and for the person living with Alzheimer’s
disease or other dementias.
Do the programs accept people with Alzheimer’s and dementia?
All the programs accept frail elderly and those having memory impairment
or other disabilities.
Is there a cost to attend the program?
Costs vary depending on the level of care provided at the program.
There are different programs available that charge according to the
services they provide. To determine the actual cost for each individual,
it is helpful to know if the care recipient receives or is qualified
for Medi-Cal, has long-term care insurance, or other private health
insurance, or is a Veteran. Call a center to inquire about their
services and fee schedule.
Can a participant who uses a walker or a wheelchair attend a program?
Yes. Usually those who cannot feed themselves or visit the restrooms
independently must come with caregivers when attending an adult day
services program. People can come unattended to the Adult Day Health
Care program. Each center has unique guidelines so please inquire
during your first phone contact.
What types of activities are usually offered at adult day programs?
All individual and group activities are designed for enjoyment and
engagement. Stimulating word games, reminiscent group discussions,
art therapy, music therapy, intergenerational activities, pet therapy,
exercises, bingo and special celebrations are some of the activities
offered.
My mother often naps, is that okay in the program?
Oftentimes people need rest periods as they age. The way this is
handled will vary from program to program. It depends on the program
and the reasons for sleep: health problems versus depression, for
example. Some places will offer a rest area, while others will attempt
to involve your loved one in activities to avoid sleeping. Make sure
you discuss this with the admissions person prior to your loved one
attending the program.
Who will help my father with personal issues, such as toileting?
This too will vary from program to program and it is important to
call the centers and ask. Adult day services staff will likely cue
him to use the restroom and may even walk him to the restroom. Adult
Day Health Centers will take him to the restroom and assist him while
there. An Adult Day Health Care Center will also help him eat, get
around, etc. It is important that you relay all of your loved one’s
needs to the admissions person so you can find the program which
best meets his needs.
Are there funds available to help low-income participants?
Some programs have scholarships to help pay for the services. If
the individual is approved for Medi-Cal and referred by his or her
physician, that person can participate in Adult Day Health Care at
no cost to her or him. Please inquire about the fee policy for the
center you are interested in.
Do the programs provide respite care for the caregiver?
Yes. Many people bring their family member so that they can have
time to attend to urgent business errands, meet with friends, exercise,
relax, or even read a book. Caregivers often need some time for themselves
and other family members.
What about people who do not speak English? Are there programs for
them?
Some centers have bilingual and bicultural capabilities. Please
inquire with the center of your choice.
What about people who do not speak English? Are there programs for
them?
Some centers have bilingual and bicultural capabilities. Please
inquire with the center of your choice.
How does Adult Day Services differ from a senior center?
People who attend senior centers are usually able to get themselves
to and from the center and participate in activities that would be
difficult for someone who is frail or has memory impairment. Adult
day services center participants are there because they may benefit
from a modified environment that provides enhanced levels of activity
programming, structure and supervision.
Is this just babysitting?
No, the programs are goal-oriented to encourage learning, participation
and maximization of existing skills. Each individual is monitored
to ensure that he or she is included and enjoying each activity.
New participants soon begin to feel a sense of purpose and belonging
and look forward to the next time they all meet.
Do the programs have an emergency policy?
The programs require families to sign a document that allows the
program to call 911 in an emergency. Additional documents, such as
an Advanced Health Care Directive, are required if the individual
has one and families are encouraged to complete if they have not
already done so.
Do the programs take drop-ins or someone who is in town visiting
for a few days?
Although the programs recognize that sometimes there is a need for
a short-term “drop in” visit in an emergency or for someone visiting
from out of town, most programs cannot provide that service. Necessary
medical records and assessments require time to secure and thus prevent
a "drop-in" arrangement.
How can I be a better caregiver?
Caregiving is a big yet rewarding responsibility. Your job and effort
is valuable and yet a caregiver must maintain a balance of taking
care of oneself while providing assistance to another. Caregiver
support groups are available at some of the adult day services centers.
Please see our Support Groups.
What do current participants and their caregivers say about adult
day programs?
See our Testimonials page.
What adult day services programs are available for older adults
and people with disabilities?
See
our Program Locations page.
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