Certification

Adult day care centers are regulated at the state level, so requirements will vary from state to state. Often states will mandate requirements for employee qualifications the staff to participant ratio. For example, in the state of Maryland adult day centers are required to maintain a ratio of one staff person per four day care participants.

Medicare certification is also required in order for participants to use Medicare benefits to help pay for the cost of day care. You should check with your local governing agency if you have questions about the regulations for adult day care centers.

Safety

Safety should be one of the center’s top priorities. When you look for a day care center, check to see that the building is clean and well maintained. Kitchen areas should be clean. Steps should be marked with caution strips, and railings should be solid. Check to see that floors are free of trip hazards and are covered with a no-slip surface. Falls are one of the leading threats to seniors.

In addition to these things, check with the personnel about emergency procedures. Find out whether fire drills and other emergency training procedures are practiced regularly.

Nutrition

Request a copy of a week’s menu for the meals your parent will eat at the facility. Inform the provider of any dietary needs the participant must accommodate. Does the facility offer low sodium, low calorie, diabetic-friendly, kosher, or vegetarian meals?

To make sure patients meet their nutritional requirements, meals should look appealing and taste good. Food that isn’t eaten has no way of nourishing the body.

Questions to Ask

When you visit a facility for the first time, ask the following questions to determine whether or not the facility is a good fit for you or your loved one:

• Who is the owner or sponsoring agency?
• How many years have they been in operation?
• Are they licensed or certified?
• What are the hours of operation?
• What days are they open?
• Is there door to door transportation?
• What is the menu?
• Is the facility cheerful?
• Is the staff friendly?
• What services and activities do they offer?
• What is the cost?
• What is expected of caregivers?
• Do they offer transportation door-to-door?
• What are their hours of operation?
• Is the facility clean and odor free?
• Do volunteers help out?
• Are participants involved in planning activities or making other suggestions?
• Is the facility wheelchair accessible?
• What is the staff/participant ratio?
• What are the credentials of the staff?