In our last article, we listed a number of types of services your aging Mom or Dad might need. One of the most commonly used senior services types is an adult day center, serving an average of 237,400 adults per day. The National Adult Day Services Association outlines all of the steps for choosing an adult day center, and provides a checklist you can take with you when visiting sites to make sure you’re asking good questions.

Day centers can be small, in private homes. Or they can be large centers. They can be for those who don’t need special care, up through those who have cognitive impairments. Day centers can provide many services. Your local center might offer:

• assistance with activities of daily living
• food
• activities
• exercise
• rehabilitation
• health monitoring
• medication monitoring
• nursing
• transportation to and from medical appointments
• education for caregivers

and many more.

How much will it cost? While it’s cheaper than other types of care, it is not inexpensive, and the cost doesn’t necessarily align with whether the general cost of living in an area is high or low. Instead of relying on national averages ($21,500/year in 2023, and expected to be $28,000/year in 2032), find the cost of day care services specifically in your area (along with the costs of other types of care).

As nursing home and long term care centers are less available, it’s possible an adult day care center might be right for your Mom or Dad.