Models of adult day care: findings from a national survey

Adult day care is one of the newer options in care for the elderly, and it is rapidly becoming established despite evidence that it is not as cost-effective as nursing home care. It is important to assess who uses these services, what they cost, who staffs them, and also to evaluate client satisfaction. Questionnaires were administered to directors of 59 adult day care centers and to 522 participants at those centers, as well as to caregivers that the patients identified. It was found that centers typically provide opportunities for social interaction, exercise, and hot meals to functionally dependent, white, unmarried females. Almost one-third of the clients have a mental disorder. Compared with nursing home patients, however, clients were younger, more likely to be married, less likely to have a mental disorder, and less dependent. Staffing typically consisted of a nurse or social worker as director, and other support staff and programs were often housed within other multi-purpose facilities. There was access to a wide variety of equipment, including arts and crafts supplies and socially and culturally stimulating materials. The average program was attended by 20 participants per day. Participants and caregivers tended to be highly satisfied with the programming and operations. Most revenue came from federal sources. Three models of care were identified, each targeting a specific population, and various aspects of operation and services are contrasted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)