What adult day health care is and how to search for programs near you
Adult day health care is a daytime program where seniors and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities spend several hours a day, usually while family caregivers work or need a break. Unlike regular adult day care, these programs are medically focused — they include nursing staff, therapy services, and health monitoring alongside meals and activities. A nurse or social worker can help you find programs in your area by checking your local Area Agency on Aging, searching your state's department of health website, or calling 211 (a free referral line available in most U.S. regions).
The programs operate during business hours, typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and some offer transportation. You do not need to attend every day — many people go two to four days per week. The cost varies widely depending on your location and the program's services, and some costs may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare Advantage plans, or Veterans benefits if you meet the program's requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Your Area Agency on Aging can tell you which programs operate in your county and what services each one offers.
- Call 211 or visit 211.org to get a list of adult day health programs near you, along with their hours, costs, and whether they offer transportation.
- Many programs accept Medicaid or Medicare Advantage coverage, though you will need to contact them directly to confirm what your plan covers.
- Most programs require a medical assessment and a doctor's referral before you can start attending.
How to find programs in your county
Start by contacting your Area Agency on Aging, which is a government office in every county that connects older adults to local services. You can find yours by searching "[your county name] Area Agency on Aging" online, or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. The agency staff can tell you which adult day health programs operate near you, what each program specializes in (for example, programs for people with dementia, or programs focused on physical rehabilitation), and whether any have openings.
If you cannot reach your Area Agency on Aging quickly, call 211 from any phone. This free service connects you to local health and human services programs. Tell the specialist you are looking for adult day health care, and they will give you a list of programs in your area with phone numbers, addresses, and basic information about what each program offers. You can also visit 211.org and enter your zip code to search online.
Your doctor or social worker can also refer you to programs they know accept your insurance or work well for your specific health needs. If you are already receiving home health care, ask your home health agency — they often have relationships with day programs and can make a referral.
What to ask when you call a program
When you contact a program, have these questions ready. Ask about the daily schedule, what meals and snacks are included, whether transportation is provided or whether you need to arrange your own, and what the cost is per day or per week. Ask whether the program accepts your insurance — Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or Veterans benefits — and what out-of-pocket costs you would pay. Some programs charge a flat daily rate; others charge based on the services you use.
Ask what medical services are available on-site, such as nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Find out whether a doctor's referral is required before you can attend, and whether the program can help you get one if you do not have a recent referral from your doctor. Ask about the process or intake process and how long it typically takes to start attending.
Ask whether the program offers a trial day or a tour so you can see the space and meet staff before committing. This is important — you want to make sure the environment feels safe and the activities match what the person attending would enjoy. Ask about the staff-to-participant ratio and whether the same staff members are there each day, since consistency matters for people with memory loss or anxiety.
Insurance coverage and costs
Medicaid covers adult day health care in most states, but the amount it covers and the rules vary by state. Some states cover the full cost; others cover part of it. You will need to contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid managed care plan to find out what is covered. Your Area Agency on Aging can tell you which programs in your area accept Medicaid.
Medicare does not typically cover adult day health care on its own, but some Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C plans) do cover it as a supplemental benefit. Call your Medicare Advantage plan directly to ask whether adult day health care is covered and whether you need a referral. If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you would pay out of pocket unless you also have Medicaid.
Veterans benefits may cover adult day health care if you are a veteran or the spouse of a veteran. Contact your local VA medical center or call the Veterans Benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000 to ask whether you are covered. Some programs specialize in serving veterans and may have staff familiar with VA benefits.
If you do not have insurance coverage, ask the program about sliding scale fees based on income, or whether they have scholarship funds or partnerships with local nonprofits that help pay for care. Some programs offer reduced rates for certain days of the week or for part-time attendance.
What happens at intake and before you start
Most programs require a medical assessment before you can attend. This usually means a nurse or social worker from the program will review your medical history, current medications, and any mobility or safety needs. Some programs do this over the phone; others do it in person. You will need to bring or provide your doctor's contact information, a list of current medications, and information about any allergies or medical conditions.
You will also need a doctor's referral or order, which your own doctor can provide. If you do not have a primary care doctor, ask the program whether they can help you find one or whether they have a doctor on staff who can write the referral. The program will contact your doctor to confirm that adult day health care is appropriate for you.
Before your first day, the program will ask about your preferences — what activities you enjoy, any foods you dislike, whether you need help with personal care, and what your goals are for attending. They will also explain their policies about attendance, cancellations, and what to bring on your first day (usually just comfortable clothes and any medications you take during the day).
Transportation and logistics
Some programs provide transportation to and from your home; others do not. If the program offers transportation, ask whether it is included in the cost or charged separately, what time the van picks you up and drops you off, and whether they can accommodate someone who uses a wheelchair or walker. Ask what happens if you need to cancel on a particular day — do you still pay, or is there a grace period?
If you need to arrange your own transportation, ask whether a family member or friend can drop you off, or whether the program can refer you to a local medical transportation service. Some areas have volunteer driver programs or subsidized transportation for seniors; your Area Agency on Aging can tell you what is available in your county.
Ask about the program's policy if you are sick or have a medical appointment on a day you normally attend. Most programs allow you to miss days without penalty, but it is good to confirm. Also ask what happens in bad weather — do programs close, or do they stay open?
Red flags and what to look for
When you visit or call, pay attention to how staff answer your questions. Good programs answer clearly, do not rush you, and welcome questions about safety and services. Be cautious if staff seem annoyed by your questions, if they cannot explain what services are included in the cost, or if they pressure you to start when ready without a proper intake process.
If you visit in person, notice whether the space is clean and safe, whether there are handrails and accessible bathrooms, and whether activities are happening or whether people are sitting quietly with no engagement. Ask to speak with a current participant or family member if possible — most programs will provide a reference. Trust your instinct; if something feels off, it is worth calling other programs in your area.
Ask about staff training and turnover. Programs with high staff turnover may mean less consistency and continuity of care. Ask whether nurses are on-site all day, not just part-time, especially if the person attending has complex medical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral to start adult day health care?
Most programs require a doctor's referral or order before you can attend. If you do not have a primary care doctor, ask the program whether they can help you find one or whether they have a doctor on staff. The referral confirms that adult day health care is medically appropriate for you.
What if the program I want is full or has a waiting list?
Ask the program how long the waiting list is and whether they expect an opening soon. In the meantime, call other programs in your area — not all programs have waiting lists. Ask whether the program can put you on a cancellation list so you are notified if someone leaves.
Can I try a program for one day before committing?
Many programs offer a trial day or a tour. Call and ask whether this is possible. A trial day lets you and the person attending see whether the program is a good fit before you sign up for regular attendance.
What if someone attends adult day health care but still needs care in the evening?
Adult day health care covers daytime hours only. You will still need to arrange evening care, whether that is a family member, a home health aide, or another arrangement. Some programs can refer you to evening care services in your area.
How do I know if adult day health care is the right choice?
Adult day health care works well for people who need medical monitoring or therapy services during the day, and for caregivers who need predictable daytime hours to work or rest. If someone needs 24-hour care or has very complex medical needs, a different setting may be more appropriate. Your doctor or social worker can help you decide.