 | William M. (Bill) Ward
is CEO of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc. Mr. Ward joined Presbyterian Manors in 1996 after serving as chairman of the board. Presbyterian Manors, a not-for-profit organization with a 54-year history in Kansas, operates 17 communities in Kansas and Missouri. Mr. Ward is a member of several organizations serving health care and retirement services, including the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Mr. Ward may be contacted at Presbyterian Manors' home office: (316) 685-1100 or (800) 336-8511. |
Senior Living
2001-11-01 17:33:00
What is adult day care?
Question: Please explain adult day care. What is it?
Answer: Adult day care is a service usually for frail elderly individuals or those with physical or cognitive impairments that make it unwise for them to be home alone. Designed to help enable family members who are caregivers to continue to work, adult day care provides some assistance with the physical care of the care recipient, or provides a caregiver with periodic freedom while a family member is in adult day care.There are three types of adult day care providers: social, medical and Alzheimer's. The day care provider may be affiliated with a medical provider or retirement community or may be a stand-alone provider. In addition, a provider may also offer respite care through overnight or weekend stays. In Kansas, an adult day care provider must be licensed as a long-term care provider, but there currently is no licensing process specifically for adult day care.In general, adult day care serves an older population, but may also serve those with serious disabilities. One of the greatest advantages of a licensed adult day care program is the opportunity for social interaction with peers and stimulating activities to exercise the mind as well as the body.While Medicare does not cover day care costs, Medicaid may cover care if provided in a licensed medical or Alzheimer's environment, and if the person served meets Medicaid's financial requirements. Private insurance policies may cover some day care costs when registered or licensed medical personnel are involved with the care. Some providers offer need-based scholarships and it is worth investigating whether you may qualify for Dependent Care Tax Credit by calling 1-800-829-3676 for IRS publications.Since there are different types of adult day care providers, you need to keep in mind the purpose for your family member attending such a program when you're asking questions. Some basic information you need to know is: transportation availability, professional qualifications of the staff, schedule of activities, types of meals, ratio of staff to individuals cared for, and cost. Be sure to find out what is covered by the daily fee and whether there are any add-on care choices and costs. If the program is medically based, find out about licensing for medication administration and medical care. When you visit, observe staff interaction with day care participants. You'll want to feel that the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Look to see if equipment and furniture appears in good and safe condition. Ask for references and talk with others who are using the program.In most instances, you will be asked to visit with your family member prior to his or her first day in the program for an evaluation and to develop a plan of care and activities that are appropriately tailored to the individual's physical and mental abilities.In some cases, effective use of adult day care may enable delay of the decision to move your family member into a more comprehensive care situation by as much as 18 to 22 months or longer. While the concept of adult day care has been in place for decades, there is limited availability of services, especially in some more rural areas. With projections that the ratio of frail parents to adult children will nearly double by the year 2030, it is likely demand will increase for adult day care services.
