What is adult day health?

Getting care at home can be life-changing. It allows you to enjoy the best parts of your day by getting the comfort and support you need. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to get out of the house, to see friends, and engage in something new.  

But when you’re getting care, it can sometimes feel like leaving home isn't so easy to do. Well, that's where adult day health comes in. Adult day health, also known as adult day care, provides a place for you to go during the day, meet people, get involved in an activity, or just read the paper in the quiet company of others — all while having care and support when you need it.

Adult day health provides services at a community-based center for older adults who need assistance or supervision during the day but don’t need round-the-clock care. The centers typically blend community, companionship, and care services. 

It’s not just about care either. It’s about creating a welcoming space so you can enjoy the company of others and stay active. 

As you look at adult day health programs, you’ll see them called different things based on the level of care they provide. Here are the three main types of adult day health: 

Social adult day health: For totally independent older adults. These programs are often located at a senior center or community center and focused on socialization. They typically don't have staff members or supervision. 

Adult day health care: For older adults who need some type of assistance and can’t be alone during the day. These programs offer on-site nurses or other staff, activities and some support with the activities of daily living (ADLs). 

Specialized adult day health: For older adults who have dementia or other higher level care needs. It is also known as dementia day care or complex day care. 

Note: In this article, when we mention “adult day health,” we are referring to “adult day health care” — where older adults get some assistance.

Services at adult day health are focused on meeting your needs and interests. A quality adult day health program offers a variety of services, group activities, food, and more. Here are some common services you may receive at adult day health: 

• Meals and snacks 

• Transportation to and from the center 

• Group outings 

• Planned activities 

• Support with ADLs 

• Exercise classes 

• Medication management  

• Personal care 

• Therapy 

• Discussion groups 

• Language and cultural preferences

One of the many great things about adult day health is that you get to choose how to spend your time. Some days you might want to jump into an activity with others and swap stories.

Other days, you might just want a quiet corner to read, relax, or work on a hobby while still feeling the comfort of being around others (think of it as alone-together time). Adult day health offers the best of togetherness all on your own terms.

While these are common services you may get at adult day health it’s important to look at what specific services your local adult day health center provides. 

What makes adult day health so great you ask? Well, it doesn’t just benefit you. It can be great for caregivers too. Here are some of the benefits for you and your caregiver: 

Benefits for older adults 

Sometimes you want to be with friends, doing something together. Other times it’s nice to just do your own thing. At adult day health you get the best of both worlds. You can socialize and participate in group activities, or you can find a quiet corner and crack open your new book. 

Adult day health can also be an easy first step into the world of supportive care. You can get the care you need during the day and see how the added support and structure works for you.  

Benefits for caregivers 

For full-time caregivers, adult day health can be a safe and reliable place for a loved one to spend time during the day. It can also support part time caregivers who have a day job. Some adult day health centers may offer weekend hours too as a break for caregivers. 

Adult day health staff members can keep caregivers updated on how an older adult is feeling during the day or any changes.  

The community aspect can extend to caregivers, too. Caregivers can get to know other caregivers who bring their loved ones to the center or find community support groups.  

It can be hard to know exactly when adult day health is right for you, but you may want to consider it if you: 

• Can’t be left at home alone 

• Need some type of care throughout the day 

• Feel isolated or want companionship 

You can also give adult day health a test run. If you find a center that provides services you need, you can try it out for a few days. 

As you search for care that supports your needs and lifestyle, you’ll also want to consider costs which can change based on location and the type of services offered. The good news about adult day health is that it’s often significantly cheaper than other types of aging care such as in-home care or assisted living.  

Here are the national monthly median cost of aging care options in 2024, according to our Cost of Care survey: 

Adult day health care: $2,167 

Assisted living community: $5,900 

Homemaker: $6,292 

Home Health Aide: $6,483 

Adult day health is typically not covered by Medicare, but may be covered by some Medicaid programs, MedAdvantage, or the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). You may also be able to pay for adult day health through long-term care insurance or private pay. 

Knowing if adult day health is right for you starts with getting answers to the right questions. Most adult day health centers offer different services so try asking these questions to decide which provider is right for you: 

• What are the hours of operation? 

• What staffing does the center have? 

• What is the daily routine like? 

• Are meals and snacks provided? 

• What are pickup and drop off policies? 

• How does the center communicate with caregivers about emergencies or cancelations? 

• What services are available? 

• What accommodations can the center make? 

• Is transportation provided to or from the center? 

If you feel like adult day health might be right for you, we've put together a few resources to help you on your search: 

NADSA database 

The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) has put together a searchable map of adult day centers across the country. Keep in mind the map only contains centers that are in membership with NADSA, but it can be a helpful place to start your search. You can also access NADSA’s State Adult Day Services Association page. 

Local resources 

Connect with your local area agency on aging, council on aging, senior center, or town hall to see what services they offer or if they can connect you to older adult services in your area.  

The right adult day health program can fit seamlessly into your life by offering you socialization, fun activities, and care support. When you find a center that offers the right care you and your caregiver can benefit.