Adult Day Care in Volusia County

What it is

Adult day care is a supervised daytime program for adults who should not spend the day alone: older adults, people living with memory loss, veterans and adults with disabilities. Participants spend the day at a center, with activities, meals and help with daily needs, and go home to their families every evening. It is not a nursing home and it is not assisted living.

In Florida, an adult day care center needs a license from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). State law describes the basic services as a protective setting that is as noninstitutional as possible, with therapeutic programs of social and health activities.

For a family caregiver, a day program means dependable hours to work, rest or keep their own appointments, knowing their loved one is safe and with other people. For many families it is what makes it possible for a loved one to keep living at home.

What a day can include

Every center sets its own program. Services you can ask about include:

• Supervision and activities. Group activities, games, music, conversation and gentle exercise in a safe setting.
• Meals. Many centers serve a meal and snacks during the day; ask about special diets.
• Health monitoring. Some centers check blood pressure and blood sugar and help with medications.
• Personal care. Help with toileting, grooming and other daily tasks.
• Therapies. Some centers offer physical or occupational therapy when a physician prescribes it.
• Transportation. Some centers arrange rides to and from the program.

If your loved one lives with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, ask whether the center holds Florida's Specialized Alzheimer's Services designation, which centers can add to their license by meeting additional state requirements (section 429.918, Florida Statutes).

Choosing a center

• Is the center licensed? Look it up on FloridaHealthFinder.gov, the state's official facility search. Choose the facility type Adult Day Care Center and the county Volusia.
• Does it fit your loved one's needs? Ask about memory care, mobility, personal care and medications.
• Days and hours. Do they fit your work schedule? Can your loved one attend part of the week?
• Transportation. Does the center provide rides, or will the family drive?
• Meals. Can the center follow a special diet?
• Staff. What training do staff have, and which languages do they speak?
• Cost. What does a day cost, what does it include, and which ways of paying does the center accept?
• Visit first. Spend time at the center during program hours and watch how staff and participants get along.

Not sure which center fits, or how to pay for it? Ask us whether your loved one may be eligible for a sponsored place.

Paying for care

Florida Medicaid Long-Term Care. For people who qualify, Florida's Medicaid Long-Term Care program can include adult day health care, along with personal care, respite and transportation.

VA Adult Day Health Care. Veterans who need help with daily activities, or whose caregiver needs a break, may qualify for the VA's Adult Day Health Care program, which can be offered at VA medical centers, State Veterans Homes and community organizations. Ask the Veteran's VA care team.

Long-term care insurance. Some policies pay for adult day care. Check the policy or call the insurer.

Private pay. Ask each center for its daily rate and what it includes.

When none of these cover it. The Sender Retreat Foundation's Adopt a Senior program sponsors days of care for people who qualify. Ask us whether your loved one is eligible.

Adopt a Senior

When a family cannot cover attendance through a long-term care plan, VA benefits, insurance or private pay, the Sender Retreat Foundation's Adopt a Senior program may help. It sponsors days of adult day care for low-income seniors, veterans and adults with disabilities who could not otherwise attend, and it is paid for by donations. A sponsored participant receives the same day of care as any other participant.

Sponsored days take place at two licensed centers in West Volusia: Sender Retreat in DeLand and Stay For A Day in Orange City. Both are privately owned businesses. The Foundation's founder, Ana Rosa Randolph, has operated adult day care centers in DeLand and Orange City for more than 20 years. The Foundation itself is a separate, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Each person is assessed individually to make sure the program is the right fit. Asking costs nothing.

More help for caregivers

Adult day care is one way to get a break. Sender Retreat Cares, the Foundation's free caregiver resource program, lists respite programs, support groups, helplines, benefits counseling, meals and rides across Volusia County.

Programs, hours and eligibility change, so confirm details with each organization. This page is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice, and listings are not endorsements.