What is an adult day program?

Adult day care is a program where older adults, including people with dementia, spend part of the day in a safe group setting with planned activities, often with meals and transportation. The Alzheimer's Association says centers offer a chance to be social and take part in staffed activities such as music and exercise, while giving caregivers time to work, rest or run errands.

Generally no. Medicare.gov says Medicare does not pay for long-term care, which is mostly non-medical help, including care in the community. There are two Medicare-linked exceptions: PACE includes adult day care for members who qualify, and the GUIDE dementia model can pay for adult day center programs as respite for eligible caregivers. Medicaid covers adult day care for some people in some states.

In some states, yes. The Alzheimer's Association says Medicaid covers adult day costs in some states for people with very low income and few assets, and many centers also offer sliding scale fees based on ability to pay or income. The National Institute on Aging notes many older adults pay out of pocket for adult day programs. Ask each center about basic fees, financial help and extra charges.

It can help both the person and the caregiver. The Alzheimer's Association says adult day centers give people with dementia a chance to be social and join activities in a safe setting. Some resist going at first but often look forward to it after several weeks. The association suggests using a center at least twice a week for a month before deciding, and asking how staff handle dementia behaviors.

A typical day includes group activities such as music, art and exercise, meals and snacks, and help with personal care, often with transportation. The Alzheimer's Association says hours vary, with some centers open 7 to 10 hours a day and some offering evening or weekend hours. Few centers offer every service, so ask whether people with dementia join general activities and how staff are screened.