ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES

This information is provided as a community service, by the Miami-Dade Adult Day Services Association.

What is Adult Day Care?

Adult Day Centers provide an individualized plan of care that includes a variety of health, social, recreational, and support activities and services in a supervised group setting.

These Services are provided to frail, mentally and/or functionally impaired elderly and adults.

The goal is to maintain or improve the level of functioning, to assist participants to remain in the community, and to enable families/caregivers to continue caring for a family member at home.

Adult Day Care Programs promote the individual’s maximum level of independence by maintaining the present level of functioning as long as possible, and delaying further deterioration.

By attending an Adult Day Care Center, participants are provided the opportunity to receive health and social services in a stimulating and supportive environment that encourages socialization and peer interaction.

Services Provided:

Adult Day Care Centers offer a variety and combination of services.

Below are some services that may be available, according to each individual Center:

• Care and Supervision

• Meals and Snacks

• Special Diets

• Exercise

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living: eating, walking, toileting.

• Group and Individual Activities

• Mental Stimulation

• Social Activities

• Reminiscence

• Arts and Crafts

• Music, singing, dancing

• Games

• Gardening

• Pet therapy

• Intergenerational Experiences

• Recreation, outings

• Personal Care; bathing, shampoo, shaves

• Health Monitoring: blood pressure, food or liquid intake, weight

• Transportation

• Care Management

• Information and Referral

• Counseling

• Therapy: Physical, Occupational, Speech, Psycho-Social

• Podiatry

• Medication Assistance

• Support Groups for Caregivers

• Literature: Medical Information, Caregiving tips, seminars, medical equipment, clothing catalogues, newsletters, managing difficult behaviors, etc.

Chosing the right Center:

Call first.  Ask to have sent to you:

• a flier or brochure
• eligibility criteria
• a monthly activity calendar
• a monthly menu

Ask about:

• Owner or sponsoring agency
• For Profit, or not-for Profit
• Hours of operation & Days open
• Transportation
• Application procedures
• Cost - Hourly or daily charge, other charges, financial assistance
• Conditions accepted - such as memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence
• Staff credentials
• Number of Staff per participant

• Was the facility clean, pleasant, odor free?

• Did you see cheerful faces on staff and participants?

• Was there comfortable furniture, a place for sick persons to lay down? 

Try it out:

• Try the Center for two to five days. It sometimes takes several visits for new participants to feel comfortable in a new setting, and with a new routine.

• Relax, and take care of yourself! Your loved one is being well cared for.

• Remember that your loved one may not be able to recall all the activities enjoyed during the day. The staff gladly will provide the missing details!

• The staff is there for you, too. Ask for tips to make caregiving easier, and additional resources available in the community.

Some Funding Sources for Miami-Dade County Adult Day Care Centers:

• Medicaid Waiver: The ElderCare Plan, The Channeling Project, Metro Dade Elderly Services, United Home Care Services, Florida Department of Family and Children Developmental Services

• Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative

• Community Care for the Elderly (Older Americans Act)

• Long Term Care Insurance

• Private Pay

Note:

• Not all funding sources are available at all Centers.

• Medicare does not cover Adult Day Care Services.

Go to:            List of Miami-Dade County Adult Day Care Centers

E-Mail to:       Miami-Dade Adult Day Services Assn