Your Loved One Lives at Home. But They Don't Have to Spend the Day Alone.
Adult day care centers provide daytime supervision, activities, meals, and health services for older adults — or simply a welcoming place to socialize and stay active — while they continue living at home. Professional care during the day. The comfort of home every evening.
7,500+
Centers Nationwide
~$98
Average Cost Per Day
260K+
Adults Served Daily
1/3
The Cost of Assisted Living
What Happens at Adult Day Care
Your loved one goes to a nearby center during the day and comes home each evening. During the day, trained staff provide:
Structured Activities
Art, music, games, and social programs that keep them engaged and stimulated.
Nutritious Meals
Full meals and snacks, often tailored to dietary and medical needs.
Health Monitoring
Medication management, wellness checks, and personal care assistance.
Physical Activity
Gentle exercise, stretching, and therapy programs to maintain mobility.
Most centers operate on weekdays, though hours vary. Many provide transportation to and from the center, which can make a huge difference for families without a flexible schedule.
Adult day care can also be combined with home care or family caregiving. Your loved one might attend a center three days a week while a home aide helps on other days. These options work together rather than replacing each other.
A Typical Day
Every center is different, but here's what a typical day looks like.
Arrival & Welcome
Participants arrive (many by center-provided transportation), are greeted by staff, and enjoy breakfast or a morning snack.
Morning Activities
Group programs like music therapy, art projects, cognitive games, or current events discussions designed to be engaging without being overwhelming.
Lunch & Rest
A full, nutritious meal served together. Most centers accommodate dietary restrictions. Followed by quiet time to rest, read, or have one-on-one conversations.
Afternoon Programs
Gentle exercise classes, gardening, educational workshops, or therapy sessions. Many centers offer physical, occupational, or speech therapy on-site.
Heading Home
An afternoon snack, wind-down time, and then home by family or center transportation. Staff prepare notes about how the day went.
Who Benefits from Adult Day Care?
Adult day care serves a wide range of adults who need support or supervision — or who simply want more community and activity in their lives.
Parents Who Need Daytime Supervision
Safe, stimulating care for parents with fall risk, confusion, or difficulty managing daily tasks.
People with Memory Loss
Structured programs and trained staff specialized in Alzheimer's and dementia support.
Active Adults Seeking Community
Not everyone who attends has a medical need. Some older adults choose adult day care for a richer social life, new friendships, interesting activities, and a reason to get out of the house.
Chronic Condition Management
Daily health monitoring and medication management for Parkinson's, diabetes, and more.
Adults with Disabilities
Life skills programs, vocational support, and community engagement for younger and middle-aged adults.
Seniors Living Alone
Social connection and structured activity to combat isolation and depression. Research shows isolation is one of the greatest health risks for older adults.
Ready to explore options near you?
Search our directory to find adult day care centers in your area, compare services, and connect directly.
Find a Center Near YouQuestions You Might Have
Adult day care is newer to most families. Here are the things people ask most often.
Can't find your answer?
We're here to help you figure out the right care option for your family.
Contact Us- No. Adult day care is a daytime program only. Your loved one lives at home and goes to the center during the day, typically on weekdays. They sleep in their own bed every night.
- The national average is about $2,058 per month, which is significantly less than home care ($6,292/month) or residential care ($11,642/month). Many families pay even less through Medicaid, VA benefits, or long-term care insurance. Learn more about paying for adult day care →
- Many centers specialize in memory care and have staff trained specifically in dementia support. Programs for people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia focus on maintaining abilities, providing a calm routine, and reducing agitation.
- It depends. Medicaid covers adult day care in many states. Some long-term care insurance policies include it. Veterans may qualify through VA benefits. Medicare generally does not cover it, though some Medicare Advantage plans may. Learn more →
- It's natural to worry. Some people are hesitant at first, but most centers are experienced at welcoming new participants. Many families find that after a few visits, their loved one starts looking forward to it. Starting with two or three days a week can help ease the transition. Tips for the first day →
- Visit. The best way to evaluate a center is to tour it, observe the activities, meet the staff, and see how participants are engaging. Look at how staff interact with participants and whether the environment feels warm and welcoming. Our guide to choosing a center →
Take the First Step
Search our directory to find adult day care centers in your area. Compare services, learn about each center, and connect directly.