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| Social Vs. Medical Model Day Programs |
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Adult day programs are community based group programs designed to meet the needs of functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults through an individual plan of care. These structured, comprehensive programs provide a variety of health, social, and other related support services in a protective setting. Adult day centers generally operate during normal business hours five days a week. Some programs offer services in the evenings and on weekends.
There are two kinds, or models, of adult day programs:
Social model day programs provide supervision and socialization through therapeutic group activities such as discussion groups, arts and crafts, games and dancing, or services such as memory simulation exercises. Most of these programs do not have a medical component, and payment is usually private pay. Each program is slightly different and has different requirements. Almost all offer lunch and many offer transportation. The cost of these programs varies a great deal. The best way to be sure a program is a good fit for a particular person's functional ability, need for service, and financial resources is to visit, watch what goes on, and ask a lot of questions.
Medical model day programs are designed for persons with medical problems (including dementia) who may require one or more of the following services: monitoring, nursing care, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, or recreational therapy, in addition to socialization. As a result, they are significantly more expensive than social model adult day care. If the person with dementia appears to need medical model care, but does not have the income or assets to pay for it, talk to a social worker at the center about the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, which covers medical model adult day programs.
The best way to be sure a program is a good fit for a particular person’s functional ability, need for service, and financial resources, is to visit the programs that interest you. Be sure to watch what goes on and ask a lot of questions. Application procedures may vary among programs.
*Please note that the Alzheimer’s Association does not endorse any day program; this list is for informational purposes only.*
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Chapter Headquarters
New York City - 360 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor,
New York, NY 10017 Phone 646.744.2900
National Headquarters
Alzheimer's Association National Office 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601
© 2012 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved.
24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 |
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