Adult day care provides support, supervision and enrichment outside the home, typically during business hours on weekdays. Seniors live at home, usually with family caregivers, but attend day programs at community centers. These services enable family members to work, study, care for children or take a break while maintaining peace of mind about their relative’s safety and quality of life.

Group day care programs differ from in-home care because they take place in a community setting. Plus, they don’t offer one-on-one services or include domestic chores that home caregivers provide. This guide gives an overview of adult day care, including common services, benefits and costs.

 Key Takeaways

  • Adult Day Care Services: Information about typical recreational activities offered by most adult day care and examples of limited medical care provided by some centers.
  • Benefits of Adult Day Care: Insight into key benefits for adult day care attendees, including those with dementia.  
  • Paying for Adult Day Care: Details of adult day care monthly fees and ways to pay for services, including public benefits, VA benefits and private resources.
  • Comparison of Care Options: Overview of alternative care choices, such as home care, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.     

Candidates for Adult Day Care

Adult day care serves seniors with varying needs and preferences and keeps your loved one busy and engaged. Candidates who benefit greatly include elderly individuals who:

  • Experience daytime isolation or loneliness
  • Need social or emotional support
  • Can’t structure hobbies or daily activities
  • Struggle to initiate pastimes such as reading or watching television
  • Have dementia or other medical conditions

Services and Amenities Provided by Adult Day Care

Although the contents of each adult day program vary, most provide a range of engaging activities, such as:

  • Ability-appropriate fitness classes
  • Chair exercises
  • Dance classes
  • Group conversations
  • Educational workshops
  • Arts and crafts
  • Trivia and card games
  • Fashion shows
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Excursions

Some adult day centers also offer limited health services, such as:

  • Music or art therapy
  • Support groups
  • Counseling
  • Physical, occupational and speech therapies
  • Vision and hearing care
  • Cognitive stimulation
  • Routine health checks

Many providers offer accessible transportation between home and the center.

General Benefits of Adult Day Care Programs

Adult day care programs offer diverse benefits for seniors and their loved ones.

  • Caregiver respite: Adult day services relieve some of the stress, anxiety or exhaustion associated with caregiving. Additionally, they provide predictable hours for working, attending to personal needs or running errands.   
  • Boredom remedy: Seniors gain stimulation and enrichment from diverse activities.
  • Loneliness reduction: Individuals interact with peers and may build meaningful connections. Seniors who seldom see anyone outside of their family often feel lonely, which can negatively affect their mental and physical well-being.
  • Sense of purpose: Day care offers routine and structure, which often benefits retirees.
  • Additional access to health services: Centers may provide basic health care and preventative screenings that older adults might find difficult to access otherwise.  

Benefits of Adult Day Care for Seniors with Dementia

An adult day care program, especially one tailored to people with dementia, has many benefits for someone experiencing cognitive decline. Centers typically customize services for people with dementia who:

  • Live in their own homes or with a caregiver
  • Don’t require constant one-on-one assistance
  • Have some mobility (most programs allow a self-propelled wheelchair)
  • Are continent
  • Don’t engage in physical or verbal abuse
  • Don’t wander excessively

Consider registering your loved one for a few starter sessions rather than diving into full-time day care. If they find the transition difficult, discuss concerns with your relative and center staff. However, if problems persist, in-home care or companion services might better fulfill your needs.

Note: Staff in dementia day care programs often have specialized education or training. However, unlike residential memory care, dementia day care does not require special licensing.

For more insights, see our full article called How Can Adult Day Care Benefit Those with Dementia?

How Much Does Adult Day Care Cost and How Can I Pay?

Adult day care costs less than other senior care options in most locales. Per Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the national median rate stands at $2,058 per month. However, fees vary significantly depending on the area, services and operator. Many programs have a sliding fee scale for lower-income families and sometimes accept hourly payments.

In some communities, churches run free adult drop-in programs that don’t qualify as certified adult day care centers but can serve a similar purpose, albeit with limited services. Additionally, low-income seniors have access to financial assistance programs.  

Veterans Benefits

Veterans qualifying for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical benefits and needing long-term care may receive free services at VA-run adult day care centers. This benefit is designed to support the health and well-being of veterans by providing them with access to daily comprehensive care in a supportive community setting.

Explore our comprehensively researched guide to veterans benefits.

Medicaid and PACE

State Medicaid programs might pay for some adult day services for eligible seniors. In some areas, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) may fund adult day care.    

Tip: For help with questions about Medicaid or a PACE program’s coverage of adult day care, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also get free expert counseling from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Medicare

Neither Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B covers adult day care services. However, some Part C plans offer limited adult day care coverage.

Additionally, Part B covers physician-prescribed mental health treatment at an outpatient mental health clinic. If the clinic also runs an adult day care program, patients can use services while receiving treatment, though they may have a copayment.

Other Funding Options

Other ways to pay for adult day care include:

Payment Method

How it Works

Income

Individuals use retirement income, such as Social Security, pensions, bonds and annuities, to privately pay for adult day services.

Savings

Seniors fund adult day care using retirement plans and bank savings, including 401(k)s, IRAs and 403(b)s.

Some long-term care insurance plans pay for adult day care for policyholders who meet functional care requirements.

Senior homeowners may secure a loan against their property, receiving a lump sum or monthly payments that they can use however they choose. Loans become repayable if individuals sell their homes, permanently move or pass away.

How Does Adult Day Care Compare to Other Senior Care Options?

Before enrolling your loved one in adult day care, compare alternative care options to find which best suits their needs.  

 

Adult Day Care

In-Home Care

Home Health Care

Assisted Living

Skilled Nursing Care

Location

Community center

Senior’s residence

Senior’s residence

Residential facility

Residential facility

Environment

Group

Home

Home

Communal

Clinical

Accommodation

Home

Home

Home

Private studios, companion suites, apartments, cottages

Private or semi-private rooms

Cost

Lowest

Variable, depending on hours of care needed

Variable, depending on hours of care needed

High

Highest

Duration

Weekdays during business hours

Flexible

Flexible

24/7

24/7

Meal Plans

Usually includes meals on attendance days

May include assistance with meal preparation and grocery shopping

May include home-delivered meals

Three meals daily

Three meals daily

Typical Services

Programmed group activities, socialization, limited health and personal care

Help with activities of daily living and personal care, companionship, light housework and chores

Personal care and medication management, intermittent skilled nursing and therapies

Help with activities of daily living and personal care, maintenance, housekeeping, recreational programming

Skilled medical and rehabilitative care, nutritional oversight, medical social services

Organized Social Activities?

Yes

No

No

Yes

Limited

Medical Care?

Limited

No

Yes

Limited

Yes

Comparing Adult Day Care Costs and Other Types of Senior Care

Adult day care prices are significantly lower than other senior care options. According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, nationwide monthly median costs for care options vary:

Type of Senior Care

Median Monthly Cost

Skilled Nursing Facility (private room)

$9,733

Skilled Nursing Facility (semi-private room)

$8,669

Assisted Living

$5,350

Home Health Care

$6,292

In-Home Care

$5,720

Adult Day Care

$2,058

How Do I Find an Adult Day Care Program?

Begin your search for adult day services by entering your city or ZIP code into our Senior Living Directory above. Then, compare the ratings and reviews of each facility to pinpoint the best match for your loved one.

Finally, contact and visit local providers with a copy of the National Adult Day Services Association site checklist in hand, allowing you to thoroughly examine the offerings and verify that the facility adheres to your standards and expectations.

Top Cities for Adult Day Care

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Cupertino, CA

2022, 2023, 2024

The Forum at Rancho San Antonio

23500 Cristo Rey Drive, Cupertino, CA, 95014

We looked at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio. It was nice, but it was very unaffordable for us. While I could figure out what was good and not so good about it, they were not super forthcoming with a … (read more)
We looked at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio. It was nice, but it was very unaffordable for us. While I could figure out what was good and not so good about it, they were not super forthcoming with a … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2022, 2023, 2024

2015

Sunny View

22445 Cupertino Road, Cupertino, CA, 95014

We placed my father-in-law at Sunny View and he’s happy there. It seemed really good, we didn’t smell any urine, and it seemed very clean. The residents are very nice to each other, and the employees … (read more)
We placed my father-in-law at Sunny View and he’s happy there. It seemed really good, we didn’t smell any urine, and it seemed very clean. The residents are very nice to each other, and the employees … (read more)

2013, 2014, 2015

Atria Willow Glen

1660 Gaton Drive, San Jose, CA, 95125

We went to tour Atria Willow Glen. The place is absolutely beautiful. The grounds are welcoming. There are lots of walking areas. It’s seven acres, so they have a wonderful site, they have a pool, and … (read more)
We went to tour Atria Willow Glen. The place is absolutely beautiful. The grounds are welcoming. There are lots of walking areas. It’s seven acres, so they have a wonderful site, they have a pool, and … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2013, 2014, 2015

2015, 2016

Atria Sunnyvale

175 East Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, Atria Sunnyvale is near the downtown area of Sunnyvale, California, home to the Apple Campus, California’s Great America park and part of the Silicon Valley. Visitor … (read more)
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, Atria Sunnyvale is near the downtown area of Sunnyvale, California, home to the Apple Campus, California’s Great America park and part of the Silicon Valley. Visitor … (read more)

2016

Belmont Village San Jose

500 S. Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, CA, 95128

Belmont Village San Jose is located in the prime Santana Row district of West San Jose, with easy access to a variety of shopping and dining options. Visitors say that activities such as exercise prog … (read more)
Belmont Village San Jose is located in the prime Santana Row district of West San Jose, with easy access to a variety of shopping and dining options. Visitors say that activities such as exercise prog … (read more)

2016, 2022

Belmont Village Sunnyvale

1039 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087

Centrally located in the Silicon Valley of Sunnyvale, California, Belmont Village Sunnyvale is only minutes from Sunken Gardens Golf Course and Lawrence Square Shopping Center. Visitors say the commun … (read more)
Centrally located in the Silicon Valley of Sunnyvale, California, Belmont Village Sunnyvale is only minutes from Sunken Gardens Golf Course and Lawrence Square Shopping Center. Visitors say the commun … (read more)

2014, 2016, 2017, 2023, 2024

Pacific Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Support

2384 Pacific Drive, Santa Clara, CA, 95051

Pacific Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Support is nestled in a residential neighborhood just off the Lawrence Expressway in Santa Clara, California, only minutes from Lawrence Square Shopping Ce … (read more)
Pacific Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Support is nestled in a residential neighborhood just off the Lawrence Expressway in Santa Clara, California, only minutes from Lawrence Square Shopping Ce … (read more)
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2014, 2016, 2017, 2023, 2024

Oakmont of San Jose

917 Thornton Way, San Jose, CA, 95128

Oakmont of San Jose is located in the bustling neighborhood of Fruitdale in San Jose, California, just minutes from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and Interstate 280. Residents and visitors praise … (read more)
Oakmont of San Jose is located in the bustling neighborhood of Fruitdale in San Jose, California, just minutes from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and Interstate 280. Residents and visitors praise … (read more)

2016

Sunrise of Sunnyvale

633 S. Knickerbocker Drive, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087

Sunrise of Sunnyvale is situated in Sunnyvale, California, near the interchange of Highways 82 and 85. It’s close to a variety of stores and restaurants, Sutter Health and El Camino Hospital. Family m … (read more)
Sunrise of Sunnyvale is situated in Sunnyvale, California, near the interchange of Highways 82 and 85. It’s close to a variety of stores and restaurants, Sutter Health and El Camino Hospital. Family m … (read more)

2021

BridgePoint at Los Altos

1174 Los Altos Avenue, Los Altos, CA, 94022

I toured BridgePoint at Los Altos and I loved it. If they had had a transition to a memory care unit, I wouldn’t have looked any further. That was my top choice. Unfortunately, it won’t work for us. T … (read more)
I toured BridgePoint at Los Altos and I loved it. If they had had a transition to a memory care unit, I wouldn’t have looked any further. That was my top choice. Unfortunately, it won’t work for us. T … (read more)

Westmont Milpitas

1620 So. Main Street, Milpitas, CA, 95035

Westmont Milpitas was pretty much the same as the other one we visited, though I would say Westmont Milpitas was the better of the two. The staff was excellent. They were really good and very, very in … (read more)
Westmont Milpitas was pretty much the same as the other one we visited, though I would say Westmont Milpitas was the better of the two. The staff was excellent. They were really good and very, very in … (read more)

Sonnet Hill Senior Living

429 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA, 95126

Sonnet Hill Senior Living was delightful. It was my choice for my friend who’s 98 years old. I took her and we went through a second tour, and they got her a wheelchair because she was having a very, … (read more)
Sonnet Hill Senior Living was delightful. It was my choice for my friend who’s 98 years old. I took her and we went through a second tour, and they got her a wheelchair because she was having a very, … (read more)

Ivy Park at Palo Alto

2701 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Ivy Park at Palo Alto is located in the heart of Palo Alto, near a wide variety of stores and restaurants and adjacent to Stanford University, which includes Stanford Hospital. Visitors give high prai … (read more)
Ivy Park at Palo Alto is located in the heart of Palo Alto, near a wide variety of stores and restaurants and adjacent to Stanford University, which includes Stanford Hospital. Visitors give high prai … (read more)

Parkview RCH #2

919 Rosette Court, Sunnyvale, CA, 94086

The Parkview RCH#2 is very nice, and the people are very nice. It’s assisted living, and my wife moved there. She is currently out again because she’s hospitalized. They provide activities like taking … (read more)
The Parkview RCH#2 is very nice, and the people are very nice. It’s assisted living, and my wife moved there. She is currently out again because she’s hospitalized. They provide activities like taking … (read more)

Palo Alto Commons

4075 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Palo Alto Commons looked very clean and welcoming. I felt very comfortable there. The room was adequate. The woman during the tour was very good, very kind and welcoming, and interested in my problems … (read more)
Palo Alto Commons looked very clean and welcoming. I felt very comfortable there. The room was adequate. The woman during the tour was very good, very kind and welcoming, and interested in my problems … (read more)

2All About Seniors

1474 Pompey Drive, San Jose, CA, 95128

All About Seniors is an actual home setting, so it’s very homey, comfortable, and has a relaxed feel. The staff also lives there so they take care of the place very well, it’s very clean. The food is … (read more)
All About Seniors is an actual home setting, so it’s very homey, comfortable, and has a relaxed feel. The staff also lives there so they take care of the place very well, it’s very clean. The food is … (read more)

Juliet Stephen RCH

909 College Drive, San Jose, CA, 95128

My mother moved into Juliet Stephen RCH. It was a very good experience. Their response time when you push the button is so far it’s always been under a minute. That’s a huge thing right now. It’s like … (read more)
My mother moved into Juliet Stephen RCH. It was a very good experience. Their response time when you push the button is so far it’s always been under a minute. That’s a huge thing right now. It’s like … (read more)

Willie Care Home

1194 South Mary Ave, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087

I toured Willie Care Home for my father, and it was very positive. The owner was really friendly, and they provided the information that we needed, so it was good. The place was very nice, it was clea … (read more)
I toured Willie Care Home for my father, and it was very positive. The owner was really friendly, and they provided the information that we needed, so it was good. The place was very nice, it was clea … (read more)

Bellerose Senior Living

100 Bellerose Drive, San Jose, CA, 95128

My father is in Bellerose Senior Living and it’s been going great. It’s close enough to the house that many of the neighbors and his friends in the community can visit him. It’s very clean, and it’s g … (read more)
My father is in Bellerose Senior Living and it’s been going great. It’s close enough to the house that many of the neighbors and his friends in the community can visit him. It’s very clean, and it’s g … (read more)

Villa Fontana Retirement Community

5555 Prospect Road, San Jose, CA, 95129

My mom was at Villa Fontana Retirement Community temporarily. She was there transitioning out of the hospital. She needed 24/7 care while she was recovering. After she recovered, we then relocated her … (read more)
My mom was at Villa Fontana Retirement Community temporarily. She was there transitioning out of the hospital. She needed 24/7 care while she was recovering. After she recovered, we then relocated her … (read more)