What to look for in an Alzheimer’s day care in Philadelphia, the questions to ask on every tour, and the warning signs that a center is not the right fit.
Penn Village Adult Day Care is a licensed adult day center at 200-220 W. Chelten Avenue in Germantown, Philadelphia, and many of our members are living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Families often visit two or three centers before choosing. This guide covers what to check at each one, so you can compare them side by side.
A good Alzheimer’s day care is licensed, has staff who are experienced with dementia, follows a steady daily routine, has nursing oversight, plans activities for different stages, handles agitation and wandering calmly, and is open about cost and coverage. Visit in person, watch how staff talk to members, and ask the questions in the checklist below.
What is an Alzheimer’s day care?
An Alzheimer’s day care is an adult day program that supports people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Members spend the day at the center for activities, meals, supervision and health oversight, then go home in the afternoon. They keep living at home with their family.
In Pennsylvania, adult day centers that serve older adults are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Some centers serve mainly people with dementia. Others, like Penn Village, serve a mix of members, with routines and activities set up for people with memory loss. See our Alzheimer’s and dementia day care program for how that works here.
What should you look for in an Alzheimer’s day care?
1A current state license.
Ask to see it. A licensed center is inspected and has to meet staffing, safety and health rules.
2Staff who are experienced with dementia.
Ask how staff are trained to help with confusion, repeated questions and agitation. Watch how they speak to members during your visit.
3A nurse on staff.
Nursing oversight means changes in health get noticed. Ask how they handle medications and how they contact the family and doctor.
4The same routine every day.
People living with Alzheimer’s do best with predictable days. Ask to see the daily schedule. Read what a day at adult day care looks like for someone with dementia.
5Activities for every stage.
Look for music, games, crafts, gentle exercise and conversation, with options for people who can no longer join group games. See what activities keep Alzheimer’s patients engaged.
6A calm plan for agitation and wandering.
Ask what staff do when someone is upset or tries to leave. A good answer is specific and calm. Read dementia aggression and agitation and dementia and wandering.
7Meals and help at mealtimes.
Ask what is served, whether special diets are handled, and whether staff help members who need it.
8Door-to-door transportation.
For many families, getting there is the hardest part. Ask whether rides are included and whether vans are wheelchair accessible. See how our transportation works.
9Clear answers on cost and coverage.
Ask for the daily rate, what it includes, and whether they accept Medicaid and VA benefits. See what memory care day care costs in Philadelphia.
10Good communication with families.
Ask how they will update you, especially in the first weeks, and who you call with questions.
Want to see how Penn Village measures up? Come for a tour and bring this list.
Call 267-437-2898Schedule a tourWhat questions should you ask when touring an Alzheimer’s day care?
Print this, or keep it on your phone
- Are you licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging?
- How many of your members are living with dementia?
- Is there a nurse on staff? How are medications handled?
- What does a normal day look like, from pickup to drop-off?
- What happens if my family member gets upset, refuses to join in or tries to leave?
- Can you help with walking, toileting and eating if needed?
- Is transportation included? Are your vans wheelchair accessible?
- What is the daily rate, and what does it include?
- Do you accept Medicaid through Community HealthChoices? Which plans? Do you work with the VA?
- How do you help new members settle in during the first few weeks?
- How will you keep me updated?
- When would you tell us the program is no longer the right fit?
For general tour questions that apply to any adult day center, read what to ask when touring an adult day care center.
What to watch for during the visit
- How staff talk to members. Look for patience, eye contact and calling people by name.
- What members are doing. Are most people engaged in something, or sitting in front of a TV?
- The noise level. A good center feels lively but not loud or chaotic.
- Cleanliness and space. Is it easy to move around? Are bathrooms accessible?
- How your family member reacts. Some people warm up right away and some need a few visits. Both are normal.
What are the warning signs of a poor Alzheimer’s day care?
- They cannot show you a current license.
- Staff talk about members in front of them as if they are not there.
- There is no set daily schedule.
- Most members are sitting without anything to do.
- Vague answers about behavior, wandering or medications.
- Prices or extra fees that are hard to get a straight answer on.
- Pressure to sign up on the spot.
See Penn Village for yourself.
Visit our center in Germantown, meet the staff, and ask every question on this list. Watch our virtual tour first if you like.
Is Alzheimer’s day care, home care or a memory care facility the right choice?
| Option | Good fit when | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s day care | They live at home with family, and need structure, company and supervision during the day. | Our Alzheimer’s day program |
| In-home care | They need one-on-one help at home, or cannot travel to a center. | Day care vs. home care |
| Memory care facility | They need care and supervision around the clock. | Day care vs. memory care facility |
Many families combine options, such as day care on weekdays with family or an aide at home in the evenings. For timing, read which stage of dementia is adult day care right for.
Alzheimer’s care resources in Philadelphia
- Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900, or visit the Delaware Valley chapter.
- Penn Memory Center: diagnosis, care and research at Penn Medicine. pennmemorycenter.org
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: help with Medicaid applications and local services. 215-765-9040 or pcacares.org
- Caregiver support groups in Philadelphia: see our list of support groups and resources.
- Paying for care: Medicaid-approved adult day care and adult day care for veterans with dementia.
Common questions about choosing an Alzheimer’s day care
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s day care and regular adult day care?
Alzheimer’s day care is adult day care set up for people with memory loss. Look for staff experienced with dementia, a steady routine, activities for different stages, and a calm plan for agitation and wandering.
How do I know if my parent is ready for Alzheimer’s day care?
If they are alone for long stretches, getting confused in familiar places, missing meals or medications, or if the family needs regular support, it is a good time to look. Starting early helps the center become familiar. Read early dementia vs. normal aging.
How much does Alzheimer’s day care cost in Philadelphia?
As a general estimate, adult day care in the Philadelphia area commonly costs around $75 to $150 per day. Medicaid and VA benefits may cover it for people who qualify. Call Penn Village at 267-437-2898 to confirm current pricing.
What if my parent refuses to go?
That is common at the start. Short first visits, a familiar routine and positive words help. Read how to convince a parent with dementia to try adult day care.
How many Alzheimer’s day care centers should I visit?
Two or three is usually enough to compare. Bring the same list of questions to each, and if you can, bring your family member on the second visit.
More guides for families
This article is general information, not medical advice. For a diagnosis or care plan, speak with your family member’s doctor.
