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Adult Day Services


An adult day services programs are in local communities and are there to support adults with ongoing health problems, memory loss, confusion or disabilities to live in the community. This program supports families and caregivers by providing a protective setting for individuals who can’t be left alone because of ongoing health problems. Participants in adult day service programs get social, recreational and health services during the day when the caregiver needs time off or must work. The participants in the adult day health program return home each evening. Individuals attending an adult day service on a regular basis may receive the following services:

  • Skilled nursing
  • Rehabilitation
  • Social
  • Assistance with personal care
  • Nutritious meal

Learn about adult day care and adult day health programs:

  • Adult Day Care (ADC) is a supervised daytime program providing services for adults with ongoing health problems.

    Participants may receive the following services in an adult day care program:

    • Personal care services;
    • Social services on a consultation basis;
    • Routine health monitoring with consultation from a registered nurse;
    • General therapeutic activities;
    • General health education;
    • Nutritional meals and snacks;
    • Supervision and protection for individuals who require it for their safety;
    • Assistance with arranging transportation to and from the program;
    • First aid and provisions for obtaining or providing care in an emergency.
  • Adult Day Health (ADH) is a supervised daytime program providing skilled nursing and/or rehabilitative therapy services in addition to the services for adults with ongoing health problems.

    Participants may receive the following services in an adult day health program:

    • All services listed under adult day care;
    • Skilled nursing services other than routine health monitoring (e.g. wound care, training on how to care for a catheter, care for an unstable medical condition);
    • At least one of the following skilled therapy services:
    • Psychological or counseling services.
      • Physical therapy;
      • Occupational therapy;
      • Speech-language pathology; or
      • Audiology; and
    • Assistance with arranging transportation to and from the program
  • Social
  • Assistance with personal care
  • Nutritious meal

What should I look for in an adult day center?

Ask what services the center provides and who provides them. Visit the center several times and speak with staff or attendants. Before you contact a center, you may wish to print a copy of the Adult Day Services Checklist; it will help you evaluate and compare adult day centers.

How do I pay for adult day services?

Adult Day Services are available through Medicaid programs if the individual is determined financially and functionally eligible – some restrictions apply. Some Area Agencies on Aging and/or their Family Caregiver Support Programs, or the Adult Day Services themselves, provide some financial assistance. Some long-term care insurance policies cover adult day services. However, participants often pay for adult day services themselves. Contact your local CLC if you have questions!

Washington’s Community Living Connections staff are available to help you explore your options to meet your current needs or create a plan for the future.

Adult Day Services Checklist

Use this checklist to compare adult day centers

Call Toll-Free
1-855-567-0252