
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?