by Kathrine Mills

Created on: May 24, 2010   Last Updated: May 25, 2010

Eldercare is an area covered by Job and Family Service, which is available to aid those in the process of taking care of senior citizens. This is a complicated task carried on by millions of Americans today and with boomers entering their 60’s the number of people with the burden of a senior to care for will grow exponentially in the near future.

The government's

Eldercare website serves to help Americans find the accommodations needed to help the seniors in their life to lead productive and fruitful lives.

These are state run programs and most of these Day Care Centers do not accept Medicare (Federal Program) but they do at times accept Medicaid or Veterans Administration coverage. Limited federal funding may be available.

Adult Day Care offers day time monitoring for seniors with child care like attributes. There are two different kinds of Day Care programs: Social, which keeps the person entertained, socially active, provides meals, and very limited health care services and Health Day Care, which focuses more on those seniors with health care needs such as physical therapy, all while also offering contacts with social services.

Many of these seniors would normally be put in nursing homes if not for the daytime programs supplied so that the caregivers can go to work, school, or care for their immediate family members.  

“The goals of the programs are to delay or prevent institutionalization by providing alternative care, to enhance self-esteem and to encourage socialization” –Dept of Health & Human Services

These Day Care centers can be found in local Senior Centers, Nursing homes, hospitals, and many similar places. They offer services such as transportation, the giving of medications, physical therapy, serving meals/snacks, and social activities.

One should be careful to inspect the different services each center offers as not all states regulate and license the facilities.

References from currently involved families, staff, and (if available) Government evaluations are some great resources you can use to ensure you pick a good Adult Day Care Center.

 For more information on Adult Day Care Centers and Eldercare, you can contact The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 or The National Adult Day Services Association by calling the toll-free telephone number 1-866-890-7357.

A list of quick steps to picking a good center can be found on the website. With the assistance of these organizations one should be able to secure a great place to help the senior in their life find the freedom and care they need to lead a full life.

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