Start with your local Area Agency on Aging
Your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the fastest way to find adult day care programs near you. Every county in the United States has one, and staff there know which programs operate locally, what they cost, what hours they keep, and whether they have openings. You can reach yours by calling 211 or by searching "Area Agency on Aging" plus your county name online.
When you call, tell them what you need: full-time care, part-time care, programs that serve people with dementia, programs with transportation, or programs that focus on specific activities. They will give you a short list of real options in your area, not a national directory. Many AAAs also know about funding sources — Medicaid waivers, Older Americans Act funding, or local grants — that can reduce what you pay.
If you cannot reach your AAA by phone, ask to speak with a care coordinator or social worker. They are the people who know the programs best and can answer questions about whether a specific program is a good fit for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Call 211 or search for your local Area Agency on Aging to get a list of programs that actually operate in your county.
- Adult day care programs vary widely in cost, hours, and focus — some serve people with dementia, others emphasize social activities or physical therapy.
- Many programs offer transportation, meals, and activities during the day so a family member can work or take a break.
- Medicaid, Older Americans Act funding, and some private insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost, depending on your state and income.
- Visit a program in person before enrolling to see the space, meet staff, and watch how participants spend their day.
What to expect when you contact a program
When you call an adult day care program directly, have ready: the person's age, any diagnoses (dementia, Parkinson's, stroke recovery), mobility needs, and what days and hours you need care. Programs often ask whether the person can use the bathroom independently, whether they take medications that need monitoring, and whether they have behavior concerns — not to turn people away, but to know whether they have the right staff and setup.
Ask about the daily schedule. A good program will tell you what happens hour by hour: breakfast, activities, lunch, rest time, therapy or exercise, and pickup time. Ask who leads activities, whether a nurse is on site, and what happens if someone has a medical problem during the day. Ask whether they accept people with dementia, whether they have a find area if someone wanders, and whether staff are trained in dementia care.
Cost varies by region and by program type. Some programs charge by the day (ranging widely depending on location and services), others by the week or month. Ask whether the cost changes if someone attends fewer days, and whether there are discounts for multiple days per week. Ask about payment methods — some take Medicaid directly, some require you to pay and then seek reimbursement, and some take private pay only.
Programs that focus on specific conditions
Some adult day care programs specialize in serving people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs have staff trained in dementia care, find areas so people cannot wander off, and activities designed for people with memory loss. If the person you are caring for has dementia, ask your Area Agency on Aging specifically for programs with this focus — they are different from general adult day care.
Other programs focus on physical recovery after stroke, hip replacement, or other surgery. These may have a therapist on site and structure the day around therapy sessions and exercises. Some programs serve people with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions and tailor activities to those needs.
If the person has a specific diagnosis, mention it when you call. The program will tell you whether they have experience with that condition and whether they think it is a good fit. Do not assume a program cannot serve someone — ask directly.
Transportation and practical details
Many adult day care programs offer transportation from home to the program and back, usually for an additional fee. Some programs send a van with a driver; others partner with a local medical transportation service. Ask whether transportation is included in the daily rate, whether it costs extra, and whether the driver can help the person get in and out of the vehicle if they have mobility problems.
Ask what the person should bring: lunch, snacks, medications, incontinence supplies, or a change of clothes. Ask what the program provides — meals, snacks, activities, entertainment. Ask about the cancellation policy: if you need to cancel a day, do you lose the fee, or can you reschedule? Ask what happens if the program closes for a holiday or if a staff member calls in sick.
Ask about the physical space: Is it accessible if someone uses a walker or wheelchair? Are bathrooms on the main floor or upstairs? Is there outdoor space? Is the building climate-controlled? These details matter for comfort and safety.
Paying for adult day care
Medicaid covers adult day care in most states, but the rules vary. Some states cover it through a regular Medicaid plan; others cover it only through a home and community-based waiver. Income and asset limits explore. Contact your state Medicaid office or your Area Agency on Aging to learn what is covered in your state.
Medicare does not cover adult day care as a standalone service. However, if the person is in a Medicare Advantage plan, that plan may cover it. Call the plan directly to ask.
Long-term care insurance may cover adult day care if the policy includes it. Check the policy documents or call the insurance company.
The Older Americans Act funds some programs through your Area Agency on Aging. These programs are usually low-cost or free for people over 60 with limited income. Ask your AAA whether any programs in your area receive this funding.
If none of these sources explore, you will pay out of pocket. Costs vary widely by region and program type. Ask programs directly what they charge and whether they offer a sliding scale based on income.
Visiting a program before you enroll
Always visit a program in person before the person starts attending. Watch how staff interact with participants. Do they speak respectfully? Do they help people who need information? Do participants look engaged or bored? Is the space clean and safe?
Bring the person with you if possible, so they can see the space and meet some staff. Ask to sit in on part of a day — many programs allow this. Watch the activities, the meals, the bathroom setup, and how staff handle transitions between activities.
Ask to meet the director or program manager and the person who would be the primary caregiver for your family member. Ask about their training and experience. Ask what the program's policy is if someone becomes ill during the day, if someone has a fall, or if there is a behavioral issue.
Trust your instinct. If something feels off, keep looking. There are usually multiple programs in a given area, and finding one where the person feels safe and engaged makes a real difference in how well the arrangement works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone with dementia attend adult day care?
Yes, many programs serve people with dementia. Some specialize in dementia care and have find areas, trained staff, and activities designed for memory loss. When you call a program, ask directly whether they serve people with dementia and whether they have experience with the specific behaviors or needs you are managing.
What if I cannot afford the daily rate?
Ask your Area Agency on Aging about Medicaid coverage, Older Americans Act funding, or sliding-scale programs in your area. Some programs reduce fees based on income. Some offer lower rates for fewer days per week. Be honest about what you can afford — programs often have options.
How do I know if adult day care is right for my situation?
Adult day care works well if you need someone to stay home while you work, if the person benefits from social activity and structure, or if you need a regular break from caregiving. It does not work if the person refuses to go, if they have medical needs that require a nurse full-time, or if they are unsafe in a group setting. A social worker or your doctor can help you think through whether it fits your needs.
What if the person does not want to go?
Resistance is common at first. Some programs suggest starting with one or two days a week so the person gets used to it. Some allow a family member to stay for the first visit. Talk to the program director about strategies — they have experience with this and may have ideas that work for your family member.
Can I use adult day care while I work full-time?
Yes, if the program's hours match your work schedule. Many programs run from early morning to late afternoon on weekdays. Ask about hours when you call. If standard hours do not work, ask whether the program offers extended hours or whether they know of programs that do.