Evaluating adult day care centers

• Visit each center twice – once at an appointed time and once unannounced. And bring your loved one with you at least once.
• Talk with older adults who are at the center, and their family members, if possible, and pay close attention to their mood and the atmosphere in general.
• Carefully interview the director of the center and ask if a trial enrollment period can be arranged.
• Ask if the center is licensed and by whom, if the center is inspected by state and/or local officials and if the inspection records are available for review.
• Ask if backup care, transportation and meals or snacks are offered.
• Find out what type of personnel are employed at the center, e.g., physical therapists, social workers, activities directors, home health aides, registered nurses, etc.
• Ask if staff members are required to be licensed and/or certified.
• Ask what the staff-to-participant ratio is.
• Find out what documents (medical and other) are required for enrollment.
• What medical services, if any, can the center access?

Source: LifeCare Fast Facts. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.