As with nursing homes and assisted living facilities, there is a need for adult day care centers to be licensed. Licensing requirements help safeguard adult day care participants. Licensing is handled at the state level, so the specific conditions for licensing vary depending on the location of the facility.
Conditions for obtaining a license to operate an adult day care facility usually include maintaining an acceptable staff to patient ratio, submitting an acceptable fire safety and evacuation plan, and meeting certain staffing standards for day care centers that care for Alzheimer’s patients or assist with the administration of medicines or physical therapy.
A Look at Licensing in Utah
While it would be too cumbersome to list the detailed procedures of every state, a brief overview of one state’s procedures can familiarize you with the licensing process.
In the state of Utah, licensing for adult day care centers is overseen by the Utah Department of Human Services. The Office of Licensing strives to ensure that centers offer an environment for seniors that is safe and stimulating. Seniors should feel that they have the ability to contribute to the community at the same time they are receiving supervised care.
Programs, in Utah, are licensed annually and centers are visited periodically by a Licensing Specialist from the Department of Human Services. During their visits, DHS staff members monitor the day care facilities and offer technical assistance when needed.
A licensed provider list is available to the public by contacting Utah’s Department of Human Services.
Skilled Staff
If your loved one participates in an adult day care program, you should check with your local licensing agency to ensure that the program maintains a current license. If your loved one needs specialized medical care while at the center, inquire about the licensing and qualifications for RNs and other medically trained personnel.
Tags: Adult Day Care Centers, License, Licensing, Qualifications, Senior Citizens
