Recreational activities are available and are usually geared to a person's mental and physical abilities. In many ways, this can be a much healthier alternative to being at home. Fees and expenses for adult day care vary depending on your location and the services offered. Many times the fees may not be covered by insurance or Medicare. However, if a physician states that otherwise a patient must go to a nursing home, insurance companies may choose to pay for adult day care instead.
Some facilities also get funding from other sources to keep costs lower.
Some centers specialize in dealing with specific problems, such as people with Alzheimer's. Be as careful in choosing an adult care center as you would in choosing a day care center for a child. Visit the center and speak with the older adults and the staff. Ask about staff credentials and any certifications the center has. Ask about policies for unusual situations, such as what they will do if your relative is ill and the center cannot reach you.