Adult day care vs home care

Two different answers to "this person cannot be left alone all day." They differ in cost, supervision and what the day actually contains.

Cost

We publish verified daily rates for adult day care and hourly rates for home care by state — see costs by state. Adult day care is usually billed by the day; home care by the hour.

What each one actually provides

• Adult day care — supervision, meals, structured activity and social contact, in a centre, for part of the day. Transport is often the deciding logistical factor
• Home care — one-to-one help with personal care in the person’s own home, at times you choose. No social contact, and no relief for a family caregiver who never leaves

The question families forget

They are not only substitutes. Adult day care answers daytime supervision plus isolation; home care answers personal care plus one-to-one attention. Many families end up using both, and some waiver programmes will pay for a combination.

Check first

• Does a centre exist within a reasonable distance, and does it provide transport?
• Will the state programme or insurance pay for day care as well as home care?
• What happens on days the centre is closed?

Related

• Cost calculator
• Medicaid eligibility screener
• What helps pay for care
• How many hours do you need
• Medicaid HCBS waivers