Day Care as a Long-Term Care Service Study.

Day care is a growing service in the field of long-term care, increasing the options available to the impaired elderly. To study the development of adult day care centers in southeastern New England, and to identify the relationship of day care centers to the long term care network of services, the 11 day care centers in the catchment area of the southeastern New England Long Term Care Gerontology Center were studied (6 in Massachusetts and 5 in Rhode Island). Surveys of professional personnel and clients, and site visits were used to compare the centers in terms of physical facilities, admission criteria, participant characteristics, financial resources, staffing services and activities, and relationship with families and community activities. Results showed that all centers admit clients regardless of living conditions, although 41% of those admitted live alone. Day care had no significant effect on nursing home entry or length of stay. The population served was similar to the general elderly population rather than those at special risk. The data indicated a clear identification of day care centers as an integral part of the network of long term care services. The results suggest leadership and advocacy roles for the southeastern New England Long Term Care Gerontology Center. Appendices include letters to centers, interview questionnaires, a list of day care centers in the catchment area, and the Massachusetts Adult Day Health Manual. (JAC)