A plain-English guide to adult day care: what it is, who it is for, what happens during the day, how it is paid for, and how to get started in Philadelphia.
Penn Village Adult Day Care is a licensed adult day center at 200-220 W. Chelten Avenue in Germantown, Philadelphia. Older adults spend the day with us for activities, hot meals, nursing oversight and good company, and our vans bring them from home and back. This guide explains how adult day care works, using our center as the example.
Adult day care is a licensed daytime program where older adults, and adults who need support during the day, spend the day in a safe, social setting. They take part in activities, eat a meal, get help with personal care and health monitoring, and go home in the afternoon. It lets people keep living at home while giving their family regular time during the week.
What is adult day care?
Adult day care is a structured program that runs on weekdays at a licensed center. The person attends on the days the family chooses, spends the day with staff and other members, and goes home in the afternoon. In Pennsylvania, adult day centers are licensed by the Department of Aging as older adult daily living centers.
You may also hear it called senior day care, adult day services or an adult day program. Read what is another name for senior day care? for the full list.
Who is adult day care for?
Adult day care works well for people who can live at home with family support, but should not be alone all day. Common reasons families call us:
Adult day programs are licensed differently, so call and ask what our license covers for your family member. Read more about adult day care eligibility.
What services does adult day care include?
Services vary by center. At Penn Village, every day includes:
- Activities. Music, karaoke, bingo, cards, arts and crafts, trivia and gentle exercise. See our senior activities program.
- Meals. Nutritious meals served every day members attend, at no extra charge. See our meal program.
- Nursing oversight. A nurse is on staff, vitals are checked monthly, and concerns are shared with the member’s doctor.
- Personal care help. Help with walking, toileting, eating and staying safe.
- Transportation. Door-to-door pickup in wheelchair-accessible vans. See how transportation works.
- A safe, accessible center. One 10,000 square foot floor, fully ADA accessible.
What does a day at adult day care look like?
- Morning pickup.
The van picks members up at their front door. - Arrival and settling in.
Members greet friends and staff and find a familiar seat. - Mid-morning activity.
Music, games, crafts or exercise, adapted to each member. - A meal together at midday.
Members eat together, with help for anyone who needs it. - Early afternoon.
Cards, puzzles, conversation, or rest in the lounge. - The ride home.
Members head home in the afternoon.
For someone living with dementia, read what a day at adult day care looks like for someone with dementia.
How does adult day care compare to other kinds of care?
| Type of care | Where they live | When care happens |
|---|---|---|
| Adult day care | At home | During the day, on chosen weekdays |
| In-home care | At home | When an aide visits |
| Assisted living | In a residence | Around the clock |
| Nursing home | In a facility | Around the clock, with skilled nursing |
Read adult day care vs. assisted living vs. nursing home, adult day care vs. home health care and adult day care vs. adult day health care.
How is adult day care paid for?
Many families pay little or nothing out of pocket because a program covers it.
- Medicaid. Pennsylvania Medicaid pays for adult day care through Community HealthChoices. Penn Village accepts all three Philadelphia plans. See Medicaid-approved adult day care.
- VA benefits. Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify. See does the VA pay for adult day care?
- Long-term care insurance. Many policies include an adult day care benefit.
- Private pay. As a general estimate, adult day care in the Philadelphia area commonly costs around $75 to $150 per day. Call to confirm current pricing.
Original Medicare does not pay for adult day care. Read does Medicare cover adult day care? and how much senior day care costs.
What are the benefits of adult day care?
For the person attending
- Time with other people every day they attend. See the benefits of social interaction for older adults.
- A steady routine, which helps with memory and mood.
- Regular meals and health oversight.
- Staying active through movement and activities.
- Continuing to live at home. Read how adult day care can extend independent living.
For the family
- Dependable support during the week, so caregivers can work and take care of themselves too.
- Someone else noticing changes in health early.
- A team to ask questions as needs change.
Find out if adult day care is the right fit.
Call us to talk about your family member, check coverage, and set up a tour of the center.
How do you get started with adult day care?
- Call the center.
Tell them about your family member and what insurance they have. - Take a tour.
Visit together if you can. Bring a list of questions. - Complete the intake.
Share health history, routine and preferences, and the forms their doctor needs to complete. - Set up coverage and transportation.
The center helps with Medicaid or VA steps and arranges pickup. - Start attending.
Many families begin with two or three days a week. Read how many days a week works best.
If your parent is unsure, read how to talk to a parent about adult day care.
Common questions about adult day care
What is adult day care?
Adult day care is a licensed daytime program where older adults spend the day in a safe, social setting with activities, meals, personal care help and health monitoring. They go home in the afternoon.
What is the difference between adult day care and a nursing home?
People in adult day care live at home and attend during the day. A nursing home is where someone lives full time with 24-hour skilled nursing care.
Who qualifies for adult day care?
Adult day care is for people who need support or supervision during the day but can live at home. Adult day programs are licensed differently, so call and ask what a center’s license covers for your family member.
Does Medicaid pay for adult day care in Pennsylvania?
Yes, for people who qualify. Pennsylvania Medicaid covers adult day care through Community HealthChoices, and Penn Village accepts all three Philadelphia plans.
How many days a week do people attend adult day care?
It varies. Many families start with two or three days a week and add more as needs change.
Is transportation included?
At Penn Village, yes. Our wheelchair-accessible vans provide door-to-door transportation.
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