Services
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Improving the Lives of Our Residents in Indianapolis
The services provided vary depending upon the center. Common types of services are listed below, as well as questions that may help you determine whether a specific day program fits your family’s needs. (Keep in mind that few adult day programs offer all of the services described, and not all of the services are necessary for a program to be of high quality.
Counseling
The center may provide support services for people with dementia and their families. For example, they may offer guidance on outside resources and arrange for supportive care in the home.
Health Services
If the person with Alzheimer’s requires medical services (i.e., insulin shots, help with medication, etc.) be sure to ask if staff provides medical assistance. Some centers also may provide blood pressure checks and physical, dental, foot, eye or ear examinations.
Nutrition
Does the center provide nutritious meals and snacks? Sample a meal to find out. If needed, ask if the center can accommodate a special diet or provide a culturally specific menu. Some centers also offer nutritional education programs.
Personal Care
Centers may provide help with hairstyling, toileting, eating, showering and other personal care tasks.
Activities
Daily activities may include music, art, recreation, discussion and support groups. Ask what activities are offered for people with dementia.
Behavior Management
Find out if the center is prepared to deal with behaviors associated with dementia. These many include wandering, incontinence, hallucinations, sexually inappropriate behavior or speech difficulties.
Therapy
Some centers help arrange for needed physical, occupational or speech therapy. They may have therapists onsite or on-call.
Special Needs
Make sure the center can accommodate any special needs. For example, is the center equipped to deal with someone who uses a wheelchair, who is hearing or visually impaired, or who is handicapped in another way? Knowing about any service restrictions before using a center may help prevent problems.
Selecting A Center
Learn about your options
Talk to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter about adult day centers in your area, ask other caregivers about their experiences, and call your local senior center or area agency on aging. You can also use our Community Resource Finder to find an adult day program near you.
Consider your needs
Adult day centers can vary. Consider which center offers the services that you and the person with dementia need.
Give the day center a chance
Consider using its services at least twice a week for a month before making a final decision. Occasional use won’t give you an accurate picture of how the center operates.
Re-evaluate care needs
At some point the person with Alzheimer’s may need more care than the center can provide. Center staff and support groups can help evaluate your needs for future care.
Personalized Care
Experienced Caregivers
24/7 Support Ready
Trusted and Reliable
Questions To Ask
When choosing an adult day center, arrange a meeting with the staff and ask these questions:
(Be sure to ask about the minimum attendance requirements
and the notification policy for absences.)
Cost
Many centers offer services on sliding scales, where caregivers pay according to ability or income. In some states, Medicaid covers cost for people with very low income and few assets. Be sure to ask about basic fees, financial assistance and additional charges for such services as crafts or field trips.