What’s an adult day care center?

Adult day care centers provide daytime services to seniors and younger adults who have a medical condition such as dementia or a disability, but live at home. That’s different from a residential facility such as a nursing home or assisted living center.

Some family caregivers rely on full-time adult day care for their loved one, while others use it on a drop-in basis for respite care.

There are for-profit and nonprofit providers. Services vary by center, but some provide medical services such as physical and speech therapy — and have nursing staff on site — while many offer meals, games, physical activity and socialization opportunities.

Nationwide, the average cost to attend is nearly $70 per day, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging.

The cost typically isn’t covered by Medicare, but some government aid — such as Medicaid for those who qualify based on the federal poverty level — or through a home and community-based services waiver is available. Long-term care insurance may cover the cost, or some families pay out of pocket.

Nevada Medicaid is the main payor for adult day health care services in the state, said Christopher Vito, president and CEO at Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers.

Nevada’s Medicaid reimbursement rates for adult day care are $39.48 daily for up to six hours a day for the social model and $57.20 for facilities that provide health care services, according to information provided by the state.