Search NCADSA's Site
Scroll complete list of answers
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
 |
What
is the difference between a senior center and an adult day program?
Senior centers are designed
to meet the needs of well seniors. Adult
day centers provide supervised care in a group setting during the
day. Therapeutic activities and
medical care serve as the primary services in an adult day center while
senior centers typically focus more on social activities and wellness
programs. |
|
Must
all adult day programs have a nurse?
No.
North Carolina law recognizes three models of adult day centers:
social, health and combination.
Only health and combination models require a nurse to be on site at
least four hours per day when the center is open. |
| What rules must one follow to operate an adult day program in North Carolina? Programs serving more than three persons who are not related by blood or marriage to the operator of the facility are required by North Carolina law to by certified. Adult day centers are certified annually by the North Carolina Division of Aging. Certification standards may be downloaded from their web site or obtained from Shannon Crane at (919)733-0440. County departments of social services and departments of health monitor centers locally on a monthly basis. |
|
How are adult day programs funded? Private pay is the primary source of operating revenue. While some states offer Medicaid reimbursement, North Carolina offers only capitated Medicaid payments through waivered programs such as CAP-DA and CAP-MR/DD. Medicare does not reimburse adult day services at this time. Individual participants may be eligible for financial assistance through the State Adult Day Care fund or through the Home & Community Care Block Grant. Some individuals may be covered by private insurance or Veteran's benefits. The Adult Day program staff can assist you in locating financial resources in your area. |
|
What is the average charge for adult day services? Many centers charge based on the amount of care needed by the clients. Centers employing nurses who provide medical services typically charge more than social model centers. According to the latest research completed by NCADSA in conjunction with Partners in Caregiving in 2004, the average daily fee to attend adult day centers in North Carolina was $40 per person per day, while the average cost to operate was $50 per person per day. |
| Are consultants available for persons interested in opening adult day programs in North Carolina? Absolutely! A Directory of Consultants--all of whom are experienced adult day service providers--is available to all NCADSA members and affiliates. It is also available for purchase from NCADSA in the Opening an Adult Day Center in North Carolina Packet. Most consultants are available on an hourly or daily basis and provide valuable information for a very reasonable rate. Entry in the directory is voluntary and free of charge to members of NCADSA. All fees and conditions are determined by the consultants and/or their employers. |
| How can I choose a quality adult day program for my loved one? There are many factors to consider in selecting the right program for your loved one. Every program is slightly different. NCADSA has prepared a guide to assist you in choosing the right program for your unique situation. |
Do you have other questions about adult day centers in North Carolina or wish to suggest a FAQ for this list?? If so, e-mail NCADSA with your suggestions or questions.