How do I Choose an Adult Day Services Provider?

Adult day centers offer support, services and supervision to persons outside their home in independent centers or in churches or community centers for a few hours or several days a week. You're in the midst of making a very important and emotional decision. Here are some questions you should ask when visiting a center you're considering:

• Is it clean and homelike?
• Is the atmosphere warm and inviting?
• Is there a waiting list? (How long is the waiting list?) 
• Do participants seem comfortable in their surroundings?
• Is it licensed or certified?
• Does the staff treat the clients/participants with dignity? 
• Does the staff have specific qualifications for their jobs? 
• Is there a plan of care for each person, and how is it monitored?
• Do they have daily planned communication with caregivers?
• Do the programs and activities match individual needs? 
• Are they open during the hours you need them to care for your parent/spouse?
• Is there a daily recreational and activities plan?
• Is transportation available?
• Are there any special eligibility requirements, such as age or residency?
• What are the costs?
• Will Medicaid, state or private funding be available?
• Is there an additional fee for Alzheimer's, MS, or Parkinson's clients?
• Do fees change for beginning stage of Alzheimer's, MS or Parkinson's as opposed to end stage?
• What are the written policies on fees and emergency procedures? 
• Is there access to medical staff if needed (i.e., nurse)? 
• Are there meals for special diets?
• Is the staff trained in CPR and first aid?
• Is there adequate space, furniture and equipment, both indoors and out?