. What is NADSA and whom does it serve?
The National Adult Day Services Association is the national voice of the adult day services industry. NADSA is a non-profit association dedicated to enhancing the success of its members, adult day centers across the U.S., through advocacy, education, technical assistance, research and communication services.

2. What are Adult Day services (ADS) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)?
The adult day services industry is comprised of two models of care, the social model and the medical model. ADS, known as the social model of care, are community-based group programs designed to meet the needs of functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults through an individual plan of care. These structured, comprehensive programs provide a variety of social and other related support services in a protective setting during any part of a day, but less than 24-hour care. ADHC is the addition of health related services to the social model. Adult day centers generally operate programs during normal business hours five days a week. Some programs offer services in the evenings and on weekends.

3. Who benefits from NADSA's work?
NADSA advocates for the adult day services industry to make sure that this group of services providers are recognized for the role that they play in the continuum of care and that adult day services are available to all functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults and those who care for them. Additionally, NADSA provides educational and technical assistance to its members to ensure that they continue to provide greater levels of quality service. Also, NADSA directly helps consumers by providing education on the benefits of adult day centers, where to find one, and what to look for when choosing one.

4. Who uses ADS?
Adult day services provide care for frail elders as well as persons of all ages with multiple and special needs associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, vision and hearing impairments, and others. 1/2

5. How costly are ADS?
Daily fees average $56.00, depending upon the area in which you live and the complexity of services provided.

6. What resources are available to help with reimbursement of adult day services?
Some long-term care insurances are available and some states offer Medicaid waiver programs to defray the costs of adult day services.

7. What is the difference between an adult day center and a nursing home?
ADS care for frail elders and others with special needs during the day, or sometimes evenings, but it is less than 24-hour care.

8. Why would an individual prefer to use an adult day center as opposed to a nursing home?
Since ADS are less than 24-hour care, this allows the person to maintain their independence and continue living at home with loved ones for as long as possible. They also provide caregivers who work the opportunity to still care for their loved one at home and provide needed breaks for the nonworking caregiver.

9. What should I look for when choosing an adult day center?
Visit www.nadsa.org and print out the Guide to Selecting an Adult Day Center. Consumers may find it useful to bring the guide with them as they interview potential care providers. The guide even includes a checklist of items to keep in mind when searching for a quality care provider.

10. Where can I find out more about NADSA's initiatives and the adult day services industry?
Visit www.nadsa.org to learn more about NADSA, what we are doing, and how we can help you.

Article adapted from the National Adult Day Services Association, Inc.’s website. For more information, visit www.nadsa.org.