Adult day services may be divided into three types: adult day health services, dementia day care and social day care. Many centers specialize in particular populations, such as people with Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, or specific developmental disabilities. There are also centers whose primary focus is providing a social environment. It's important to understand what type of adult day care will most closely meet your needs.

Adult day health services provide daytime care for people with health, rehabilitative and mental health needs. While meeting many of the participant's social needs, adult day health services also provide health monitoring, medication management, and a range of therapies, such as physical, speech, and recreational. The goal of adult day health services is to maintain or restore the functional level of the participants.

Dementia day care specializes in meeting the needs of people with Alzheimer's disease, or other diminished capacity conditions. Dementia day care prevents premature institutionalization by providing a secure environment with programs and activities designed for people with memory loss or confusion, along with appropriate health care monitoring.

Social day care service provides a space for people without special health care needs, with a primary focus on socialization and interaction with other participants. Appropriate group activities, recreation and meals are provided.

When selecting an adult day center, it is important to ask about what services are provided and who provides them. Visit the center several times and speak with staff and center attendants. Before you visit or call facilities, you may wish to print out copies of Getcare's Adult Day Services Checklist, which provides detailed questions to help you evaluate and compare facilities.

Adult day services can be a cost-effective solution for daytime care. The participants spend the day in a setting determined by their medical and social needs, while their primary caregivers pursue their own daytime activities with a sense of security. Costs range from as little as several dollars a day to as much as $185 per day, depending on the services offered, type of reimbursement, and geographic region.