Patient Guide 

Key Information for Your Stay


Adult Day Services

Adult Day Services

Adult day services provide health and social services to adults who need help or supervision during the day. They offer caregivers a break while giving adults a safe place to spend time and interact with others outside of their homes.


These centers are typically open during the day Monday through Friday, but some offer additional evening and weekend programs.

There Are Three Types of Adult Day Services:

  • Social day services offer social activities, exercise and meals along with some healthcare.
  • Health day services include social interaction but focus on medical and therapy services.
  • Specialized day services provide services to people with more complex needs, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

What to Look for When Choosing Adult Day Services

Find out if your state has an adult day services association that provides information about different facilities. It is also important to visit nearby centers before you decide which one is best for you or your loved one. Keep in mind that each state has different certification and licensing rules, so facilities may be very different from each other.

Centers May Offer the Following Services:

  • counseling
  • education
  • evening care
  • exercise
  • health screenings
  • meals and snacks
  • medical care
  • medicine management
  • personal care
  • physical therapy
  • recreation
  • respite care (provides a temporary break for caregivers)
  • social activities
  • supervision
  • therapeutic activities (pet therapy, art therapy, music therapy)
  • transportation

Additional Resources:


Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov


National Adult Day Services Association: nadsa.org

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