Key Factors to Consider for Adult Day Centers

Dementia Care Coach Corner: Written by Ilene Batalla, MSW

What is an Adult Day Center?

Adult Day Centers (ADC) or Adult Day Health Centers (ADHC) are programs to help individuals stay mentally and physically active, reduce isolation, and improve mood and health. Adult Day Health Centers provide medical care and have nurses – physical and occupational therapists are available as well. These centers can be covered by Medi-Cal and VA insurance.

What to Keep in Mind?

Transportation

  • Ask the center if they provide transportation to and from the center. If using insurance transportation, it is important to know if they will provide door-to-door assistance. The center may be able to help arrange transportation or inform you about available options.
  • Consider the distance and time they will be in the vehicle. Keep in mind if your loved one has incontinence or gets anxious during long car rides.
  • Many families may provide the transportation as it may fit with their schedules or adjustment period.

Noise Level

  • Many centers can have a capacity of more than 30 individuals per day and the centers can get loud. For individuals who have difficulty with auditory processing, it is important to pay attention to the noise level.
  • Ask the center the type of activities done throughout the week and choose the days that may have more quieter activities.

Participant to Staff Ratio

  • There are centers that have a smaller ratio and may be more intimate, so they’re often more capable of providing personalized attention.

Half Days

  • Half days can be a way to introduce a program and slowly adjust the individual to a new routine. It also allows flexibility for the care partner who may have other responsibilities. Being at the center for four hours can allow the care partner to receive some respite and for the individual to not get overstimulated.

If possible, visit multiple centers, as each has its own atmosphere and your loved one may feel more at ease in one than another. Call the program and ask when the best time is to come in and take a tour. Many families choose to take an initial tour on their own, then schedule a second visit with their loved one if they feel the center could be a good fit. This gives families a chance to talk with staff, share their loved one’s interests or concerns, and explore strategies that have worked for others.

Discussing the Transition

When introducing the program, it is important to be mindful of the language you use. Many individuals living with dementia still seek connection and engagement with others, while some may have lost interest in socializing or former hobbies. This is important to consider as the way we introduce the program can make a difference on the transition.

  • What are/were their interests? What did they do for a living?
    • You can introduce the program by saying they are looking for volunteers to come help with activities.
    • Can be introduced as an activity center, learning center, fitness club, or a place to share music/stories.
  • If they respond well to authority figures it may help to mention their doctor recommended this program. This can be helpful in Adult Day Health Centers where they have nurses, physical and occupational therapists.
  • If the program is in a home setting, you can say we are going to go visit friends.
  • Try to avoid language that is demeaning and complex.
  • Have them take a blanket or something that can bring them comfort.

It is important to note that the transitional and adjustment period will look different for everyone. It can take several weeks for the individual to adjust to a new routine. Be patient and understand that a new environment and new people can be overwhelming.

Call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with our team about Adult Day Centers near you and explore if a center would be a good option for your loved one. We’re here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.

Our “Dementia Care Coach Corner” series is where our team weighs in on unique topics and provide insight that can help people impacted by dementia.

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Posted on June 30th, 2025