Since the emergence of adult day centers in the mid-1960s, they have been an invaluable resource for the adults they provide care for and their loved ones. Today, there are more than 5,000 adult day centers across the United States, and more than forty here in our state. Oklahoma Human Services contracts with these centers to provide specialized care for adults with disabilities and members of our state’s growing aging population.
Adult day centers differ from residential care programs and nursing homes in that they are utilized for portions of the day and do not provide care to their clients overnight. These programs are ideal for adults who want to maintain their independence while living at home with their loved ones. Oftentimes, these individuals could benefit from additional socialization, activity, and a safe environment while their caretaker works, cares for others, or devotes time to self care. Adults with memory loss, impaired judgement or physical limitations also benefit greatly from these programs.
In Oklahoma alone, approximately 490,000 family members provide unpaid care for their loved ones. This care is cumulatively valued at a staggering $6.6 billion annually, with caregivers dedicating more than 450 million hours each year. Additionally, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that 93 percent of caregivers pay out-of-pocket for expenses like transportation and medical supplies, with an average annual cost of $7,200 per caregiver. The services offered by adult day centers can help alleviate the financial strain of caregiving while providing much-needed respite and peace of mind to caregivers.
Adult day center staff are trained to provide expert and exceptional care for their clients. Among other services, staff can monitor health, administer medication, assist with personal care, and provide nutritious meals, counseling, physical therapy, camaraderie and a sense of community to their clients.
Adult day care is often a more affordable alternative to in-home care, assisted living or nursing homes. While families can choose to pay out of pocket for their loved one to receive adult day services, Oklahoma Human Services encourages caretakers to take advantage of waivers that their loved one may qualify for, which can help eligible residents cover some or all of the costs. The Home and Community Based ADvantage Waiver program provides alternatives to placement in a nursing facility for eligible adults. The Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver offers a comprehensive array of services, including residential, employment, and habilitation services and support. Eligibility for both waivers is based upon several factors, including medical and financial need.
Visit Oklahoma Human Services Adult Day Health Services to learn more about adult day services or to find an adult day center near you. Visit OKCares.org to register for this year’s family caregivers conference.
Talena Ford serves as a Programs Administrator for Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services at Oklahoma Human Services.
