IN Sewickley Winter 2016 | Page 44

SPECIAL SECTION: SENIOR LIVING Questions to ask an adult day care center provider When you contact the adult day care center(s) you’ve chosen to consider, NADSA suggests asking the following questions: • Who owns or sponsors the adult day care center? • How long has it been operating? • Is it licensed or certified (if required in your country or state)? • What are the days and hours of operation? • Is transportation to and from the adult day care center provided? • Which conditions are accepted (e.g., memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence)? • What are the staff ’s credentials, and what is the ratio of staff to participants? • What activities are offered? Are there a variety of individual and group programs? • Are meals and snacks included? Are special diets accommodated? 42 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Sewickley Visiting an adult day care center Spend a day at the adult day care center that sounds best to you, so you can get a “feel” for the people and the environment. Also, check out references. Talk to others who have used the adult day care center and ask for their opinions. You may wish to try out different adult day care centers a few times each to see whether your experience on different days confirms your initial impressions. Be sure to bring the following site visit checklist with you each time. Adult day care center site visit checklist: • Did you feel welcome? • Were the center services and activities properly explained? • Were you given information regarding staffing, programming, and costs? • Is the facility clean, pleasant, and free of odor? • Is the building and site wheelchair accessible? • Is the furniture sturdy and comfortable? • Are there loungers and chairs with arms for relaxation? • Is there a quiet place in the center? • Did the staff and participants seem cheerful and comfortable? • Are participants involved in planning activities? Costs and financial assistance for adult day care In the U.S., the average cost for an adult day care center is about $64 per day, depending on where you live and the services provided (e.g., meals, transportation, nursing supervision). Professional health care services will mean higher fees. Many facilities offer services on a sliding fee scale, meaning that what you pay is based on your income and ability to pay. While Medicare does not cover adult day care centers, Medicaid will pay most or all of the costs in licensed adult day health care settings and Alzheimer’s-focused centers for participants with very low income and few assets. Be sure to ask about financial assistance and possible scholarships. Private medical insurance policies sometimes cover a portion of adult day care center costs when licensed medical professionals are involved in the care. Long-term care insurance may also pay for adult day services, depending on the policy. Additionally, dependent-care tax credits may be available to the caregiver. n Source: National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) © Helpguide.org. Helpguide.org is a trusted nonprofit guide to mental health and well-being.