Adult Day Care Overview
By Gilbert Guide, Gilbert Guide
Adult Day Care
Adult day care provides a safe and caring setting for adults during the day. These programs, which must be licensed in some states, are designed to cover the daily individual needs of each participant, including a variety of social and supportive services. Participants may be physically, mentally, or functionally impaired, or they may simply need companionship or supervision during part of the day.
Adult day care is based primarily on participants' social needs. Most programs offer meals and some provide transportation. A variety of activities are offered with the purpose of providing stimulation and socialization for participants. Common activities include current events classes, arts and crafts, music, mind-stimulating games, and exercise, as appropriate to each individual.
Coverage Options
Adult day care services are usually private pay. However, some day care centers offer need-based scholarships, and others have a sliding scale. Medicare, Medigap, Managed Care, and Veterans Benefits do not cover adult day care. Long term care insurance may provide adult day care coverage. Homecare Only and Comprehensive policies pay benefits in an adult day care facility, but the amount of coverage depends on the individual policy.
Adult Day Health Care
Adult day health care programs are designed for individuals who require a more skilled level of care. These programs offer medical services, like rehabilitation, therapy, nursing care, and special nutrition. Participants in adult day health care require some health care, unlike adult day care participants.
Adult day health care is based primarily on participants' health care needs. Most programs offer meals and some provide transportation. The activities and programming reflect the diverse needs of participants, as well as their functional levels.
Coverage Options
Adult day health care centers provide many health and social services for a set daily fee�and many centers have sliding scales. Fees vary widely, but may start at about $100 per day. Medicare, Medigap, and Managed Care do not cover adult day health care.
Medicaid coverage varies by state, but may cover all adult day health care services. In some instances, Medicaid approves coverage for fewer days per week than an individual requires.
Long term care insurance may cover adult day health care. Homecare Only and Comprehensive policies pay benefits in an adult day health care facility, but the amount of coverage depends on the individual policy.
Veterans Benefits cover adult day health care services. The veteran must meet eligibility criteria for VA benefits and demonstrate need for this type of care.
