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Adult Day Care is a wonderful care option that can be the source of many a satisfying and enjoyable day for your family member and an invaluable source of relief and support for you the caregiver. Choosing the center that will serve your family best is an important decision that merits careful investigation.

Families should always visit a center to insure that the facility is clean, safe, and secure; that the staff is well trained and that the staffing ratio insures lots of attention for each participant; that the center provides services you need at fees you can manage. Once these basic elements have been satisfied there is nothing as important as the "feeling" you get when you visit. Are the participants happy and comfortable with the staff? Does the staff relate to participants in a warm and friendly manner? Do they seem to genuinely care that the participants have a good day? Are the participants engaged in activities that they appear to find satisfying and enjoyable? Is the dignity of each participant respected? Trust your feelings. You need to feel that you and your family member are entering into a trusting relationship with caring people and that you are going to be genuinely happy with this placement. The guide below may be helpful to you in making your selection.

Once you have selected the center that seems best for your family, remember that your loved one may need time to adapt to the new environment and the increased stimulation. About a month of consistent attendance will probably be needed for a true assessment of the success of the placement. Remember that your loved one may not be able to give you accurate feedback regarding his/her activities and involvement, so ask the staff plenty of questions during this trial period. Think of them as your caregiving partners.

The center should appear clean, orderly, comfortable and inviting.

All areas of the center should comply with accessibility standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Ask if doors are equipped with security devices. Some security devices prevent exit and other devices warn that someone has exited.

There should be a minimum of 35sq. Ft. of actual programming space for each participant. This does not include administrative, hallway, restroom space or storage space.

Restrooms should provide a minimum of one toilet/urinal per ten participants.

If meals are prepared and served from a kitchen it should be inspected annually by the heath department. The latest rating should be posted and any cited deficiencies explained.

The facility should be inspected annually by the Fire Marshall and the results posted.

Space should be provided for resting.

Separate space should be provided for isolation if needed.

Are the center’s policies for responding to a medical emergency consistent with your family’s wishes? Is the staff appropriately trained to carry out those policies?

Observe whether the staff seems comfortable with an unannounced visit.

Did you feel welcomed?

Did someone spend time with you finding out what services you are seeking?

Does the center create an individual plan of care for each participant, and will you be involved in creating the plan?

Did most of the participants seem happy and content?

Were most of the participants engaged in an activity (unless you have dropped in at rest time)?

Is the staff-to-participant ratio one staff person to eight or fewer participants? (Staffing ratios should include persons who are responsible for providing hands-on-care, not administrative, custodial, or kitchen staff).

Are background checks performed on all staff prior to hiring?

Are staff members certified in CPR and is at least one present at all times?

Is the staff trained to provide basic care such as bowel and bladder incontinence care, feeding persons who have chewing and swallowing problems, principles of safe ambulation and transfer, and principles of dementia care?

Activity schedules and menus should be posted or available for review.

What are the enrollment and discharge criteria of this center?

Does this center provide other care your family member may require such as assistance with oral medications, glucose monitoring, insulin administration or tube feeding?

If your family will require such ancillary services as bath services, transportation, special diets, family education, or other special services make sure this center provides those services. Similarly if your family will require skilled therapeutic services such as nursing care or physical, occupational, or speech therapies you will need a medical model program.

What are the requirements for payment of fees and are they requirements that your family can manage?