Checklist for Adult Day Care Centers

If you are interested in obtaining adult day care for an elder in your care, investigate the day care center most convenient for you using the following guidelines.

• Is the center open during hours that meet your needs? Half day program? Full day program?
• Eligibility Requirements?
• Age?
• Elder's residence?
• Alzheimer's Disease patients accepted?
• What is the level of physical or mental incapacity that the center can handle?
• Is there a sliding fee scale?
• Is there an additional cost for Alzheimer's patients?
• Will Medicaid cover any of the cost?

Services Provided

The following is a list of services provided by many centers. Not all centers provide all services available.

• Social Services
• Transportation to center
• Transportation/other
• Medical assessment
• Medical treatment
• Podiatry
• Recreational therapy
• Art therapy
• Speech therapy
• Music therapy
• Reality therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Exercises
• Assistance dressing/grooming/using the toilet
• Bathing
• Meals at center
• Dietary counseling
• Nursing services
• Laundry

Remember: an adult day care center is not a baby sitting service. You are paying for a planned program of therapeutic activities relevant to your elder's needs. So plan on spending some time at the facility observing the programs and participants. Keep in mind the following questions:

• Are there established state-determined standards of day care? If so, does the facility meet them?
• Is the center clean, comfortable, and cheerful?
• Is the physical environment safe and accessible for people with disabilities?
• Are doorways wide enough and tables and toilets at the right height for people who use wheelchairs or walkers?
• Does the facility meet local fire, sanitation, and health codes?
• Are exits clearly marked, unobstructed, and easily opened from the inside?
• Are emergency procedures posted and easy to understand?
• Does the staff have appropriate qualifications and experience?
• Do staff members treat participants with care and sensitivity?
• Do the participants seem content and occupied with therapeutic and recreational activities?
• Does the center offer programs suitable for your elder's needs?

For more information or a list of other MFS Heritage Planning educational materials on helping your parents, contact your financial adviser.

© 1998 The Partnership Group, Inc.
MFS Fund Distributors, Inc.,
500 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116

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