Trained volunteers often are companions for respite services. In other cases, professional care services are offered to help with the bathing, transferring and toileting. These facilities may care for any adult over the age of 18 with a physical or mental impairment. Generally a high proportion of participants are functionally dependent and many have cognitive impairments. This environment is very good for the care receiver because of the social interaction and it also gives the care receiver a break from the routine of the home environment.
Some caregivers find it difficult to get the care recipient up and ready for adult day care.
Others find that extra effort well worth it to have the day and the home to themselves. Adult day services staff generally provide useful tips about getting the person ready and will also help arrange transportation. Once the routine of going is established, most caregivers and care recipients benefit from the regular access to professional staff, the activities and the contact with other families that adult day care provides. Local Departments of Social Services, through their Adult Services programs, may offer companion or homemaker services for people who are homebound. Many area agencies on aging also provide short-term personal care in the home on a sliding fee basis.