Memory Care
Cost is usually the first question families ask — and the most reassuring one to answer, because adult day care is far more affordable than most people expect, and several programs can cover part or all of it. Here’s a straight answer for Philadelphia.
When a parent’s memory starts slipping and the days at home stop feeling safe, families brace for a huge bill. Here’s the good news that too few people hear: adult day care is one of the most affordable forms of care there is, and there are several ways to bring the out-of-pocket cost down — sometimes to nothing. Let’s break it down honestly.
How adult day care is priced
Unlike a residential memory care facility, which charges thousands per month whether or not you use every hour, adult day care is billed as a daily rate — and you only pay for the days your parent attends. That single difference is why day care so often costs a fraction of the alternatives. If you’re weighing the two, our comparison of adult day care vs. a memory care facility lays out the trade-offs.
The rate itself depends on a few things: how many days a week your parent attends, whether they need extra support, and whether transportation is included. Because those vary family to family, we give you an exact number on a quick call rather than a misleading “average” here — but the headline is that it is designed to be reachable for working families.
The programs that help pay
This is where most families are pleasantly surprised. Adult day care sits inside the long-term-care system, which means several public programs can cover it.
1 Pennsylvania Medicaid waivers
Waiver programs such as Community HealthChoices can pay for adult day services for eligible older adults — frequently covering the full daily rate. See our guide on ways to pay for adult day care.
2 VA benefits for veterans
If your parent is a veteran or a surviving spouse, VA programs may cover day care entirely. Our VA-supported programs page walks through the options — many families never realize they qualify.
3 Private pay
Even paid fully out of pocket, the daily-rate model keeps day care affordable and flexible — you scale days up or down as needs change, with no long-term residential commitment.
The real cost question isn’t “What’s the rate?” — it’s “Which program will pay it for us?” And the answer is more often yes than families expect.
What you’re actually paying for
It helps to see what a daily rate includes: a structured, supervised day with licensed nursing oversight, nutritious meals, memory-focused activities, and door-to-door transportation across Philadelphia. Compared with the cost of a private home aide for the same hours — or the toll of a caregiver leaving their job — it’s often the most economical safe option on the table.
Have this ready when you call about cost
- How many days a week you’re considering
- Whether your parent is a veteran or surviving spouse
- Whether they have Medicaid or a PA waiver already
- Any mobility or care needs that affect the level of support
Tell us your parent’s situation and we’ll give you a real number — and check, for free, which programs could cover it.
Get a real cost — and see what could cover it
We’ll quote your days and check Medicaid, waiver, and VA options with you. No cost to ask.
Related reading & resources
