What Adult Day Care Looks Like in Philadelphia

Adult day care in Philadelphia runs during business hours — typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — and serves older adults and younger people with disabilities who live at home. Programs offer meals, activities, social time, and sometimes therapy or medical monitoring. You drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon, which lets a family member or caregiver work or take a break.

Philadelphia has programs run by nonprofits, senior centers, and health systems. Some are general social day care; others focus on memory care for people with dementia or specialized services like physical therapy. Cost ranges widely depending on the program and whether you use insurance, Medicaid, or pay out of pocket. Many programs offer a trial day or a few hours to start, so you can see whether the fit is right before committing.

Key Takeaways

  • Philadelphia's adult day care programs operate during weekday business hours and include meals, activities, and sometimes therapy or nursing care.
  • The city's Area Agency on Aging (215-765-9040) can tell you which programs are near you and whether any have openings.
  • Cost varies by program and funding source; some accept Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, while others charge a daily or hourly rate.
  • Many programs let you attend a few hours or a trial day before enrolling, so you can check whether the environment and activities match what you need.
  • Transportation is sometimes included, but many programs require family pickup or use of a paratransit service like SEPTA's Paratransit.

How to Find Programs Near You

Start with Philadelphia's Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which maintains a list of adult day care programs across the city. Call them at 215-765-9040 or visit their office at 1500 Market Street. They can tell you which programs have openings, what services each one offers, and whether any are near your home or workplace.

You can also contact your local senior center directly — most run day programs or can refer you to one. The city's Department of Human Services website lists senior centers by neighborhood. If the person attending has a specific condition like dementia or Parkinson's disease, ask the AAA whether any programs specialize in that.

Health systems including Penn Medicine, Temple Health, and Jefferson Health sometimes run their own day programs or can refer you to one. If the person has a primary care doctor in Philadelphia, ask that doctor's office whether they know of programs nearby.

What Programs Cost and How to Pay

Daily rates typically range from $40 to $100 per day, though this varies by program and location. Some programs charge hourly rates if you attend part-time. A few programs are free or low-cost if you meet income limits, but most require payment.

Payment methods depend on the program. Some accept Medicaid (Pennsylvania's Medical information program), which covers adult day care for people who meet income and medical need requirements. Others take Medicare if the program is part of a health system and the person is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that covers day care. Many programs accept private insurance, though coverage varies by plan.

If you cannot pay out of pocket and do not may have access to for Medicaid, ask the program whether they offer a sliding scale based on income or whether they know of grants or donations that help pay fees. Some nonprofits have emergency funds or partnerships with foundations that cover costs for people in hardship.

What to Bring and What to Know Before Your First Day

Most programs ask you to bring a change of clothes, any medications the person takes, and a list of allergies or dietary restrictions. If the person uses hearing aids, glasses, or other devices, bring extras or a backup. Some programs provide snacks and lunch; others ask families to pack a lunch or pay a meal fee.

Ask the program ahead of time about their schedule — when the day starts and ends, whether there are field trips or outings, and what happens if the person is sick. Find out whether they have a nurse on staff, what medical conditions they can manage, and how they handle emergencies. If the person takes medications, ask whether staff administer them or whether you need to give doses before drop-off.

Arrive early on the first day so the person can meet staff and see the space without rushing. Many programs ask a family member to stay for 15 to 30 minutes to help with the transition. If the person seems anxious, ask whether you can attend a second day or a shorter session before committing to full days.

Transportation Options

Some adult day care programs include transportation — a van picks up and drops off at home. Others do not, and you must arrange your own. If you cannot drive, SEPTA's Paratransit service (215-580-7145) offers shared rides for people with disabilities or older adults who cannot use fixed-route buses. You must register in advance, and rides cost $2.50 each way.

If the program does not offer transportation and Paratransit is not an option, ask whether they work with a local volunteer driver program or whether another family attending the program can share a ride. Some nonprofits run volunteer driver services; the AAA can tell you which ones serve your neighborhood.

Medicaid Coverage for Adult Day Care in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Medical information (Medicaid) program covers adult day care for people who meet medical and financial need requirements. The person must be at least 18 years old, have a doctor's order stating that day care is medically necessary, and meet income limits (which vary by household size and whether the person is in a nursing home or living at home).

To start the process, contact your local county information office or call the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at 717-787-2600. They will send you forms to complete and ask for proof of income, citizenship, and medical need. Once you are approved, the county will tell you which programs in your area accept Medicaid and how much you will pay (usually a small copay or nothing).

The approval process typically takes 30 to 45 days. If the person needs day care urgently, ask the program whether they will let you attend while your Medicaid case is pending, with the understanding that you will pay out of pocket until approval comes through.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Before you commit, visit the program in person and ask these questions: What activities happen each day? How many staff are there per participant? What is the staff-to-participant ratio during meals and activities? Do they have a nurse or medical staff on site? What happens if the person has a medical emergency? Can they accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies? What is their policy if the person is sick — can they attend, or must they stay home? How much notice do you need to give if you want to stop attending? Is there a contract, and what are the cancellation terms?

Ask to see the space where your family member will spend time — the activity room, bathroom, dining area, and outdoor space if there is one. Talk to other families if you can. Look for cleanliness, good lighting, and activities that match the person's interests and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adult day care count toward long-term care insurance benefits?

Some long-term care insurance policies cover adult day care, but coverage varies widely. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to ask whether day care is a covered service and what documentation they need. You may need a doctor's order or a care plan from the program.

What if the person with dementia refuses to go?

Start with a trial period — a few hours or one day per week — so the person can get used to the environment and staff. Some programs have a social worker or counselor who can help with the transition. If the person continues to resist, ask the program whether they have strategies that have worked with other participants, or consider whether a different program might be a better fit.

Can I use adult day care while I work full-time?

Most programs run 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., which covers a standard work day. However, you will need to arrange drop-off and pickup, which may require flexibility at the start and end of your workday. If transportation is included, this becomes easier. If not, you may need to use Paratransit or arrange a ride with another family.

What happens if I need to take a day off from work?

You can usually take a day off and keep your spot in the program — most do not require you to attend every day. However, ask the program whether there is a minimum number of days per week you must commit to, and whether you can skip days without losing your enrollment.

Is there a waiting list for programs in Philadelphia?

Some programs have waiting lists, especially in popular neighborhoods or if they specialize in dementia care. Call the Area Agency on Aging to ask which programs have openings now and which have waiting lists. If your first choice has a wait, ask whether you can attend another program in the meantime.