Adult day programs provide support in a group setting for persons with disabilities and older people, especially those who are frail, have chronic illness or have cognitive impairments. Day centers offer opportunities to socialize and share in a hot meal at lunch. The importance of being part of a group, fostering a sense of belonging, is an essential part of day centre programming. A varied program of activities may include exercises, games, speakers, music, entertainment, crafts, celebrations of special events, discussions, and occasional outings. Health maintenance activities may also be provided: bathing/hygiene, medication monitoring, foot care, grooming/ hairdressing, and nutrition monitoring. The centres have either a nurse on staff or nursing services available, if required. Recreation assistants and trained volunteers provide a range of activities suitable for each participant. Adult day programs are offered in a variety of settings including churches, community centres, and residential facilities. The program may be fixed to one setting offering day and/or overnight respite or mobile (staff move to different centres in the area to provide services).
Adapted from: Family Caregivers' Network Society, Resource Guide for Family Caregivers, 2006.