What is adult day care?
Friendly, trusted day care for older adults, supported by knowledgeable Care Professionals who can cover care needs while providing opportunities for entertainment and socialising.
What is adult day care?
Adult day care is a type of regular care designed to manage the basic needs of older adults or adults with disabilities in a community setting, while offering them various enjoyable activities, mental stimulation, opportunities to socialise with others, and a change of scenery.
Many older adults require things like mobility assistance, continence care, and companionship which can be covered by adult day care in the form of supervision and entertainment while regular caregivers get a short break.
Adult day care might offer things like:
- Gentle exercise opportunities
- Arts and crafts
- Community workshops
- Personal care sure as nail care or hand massage
- Seasonal activities
- Live music
- Learning new skills
- Cognitively stimulating games
- Casual tea and chats
Who could benefit from adult day care?
Adult day care can benefit many older adults who need supervision for safety, and additional support with daily activities. In particular, research suggests those with long-term health issues could benefit from this, as well as those with dementia.
According to Age UK, 1.4 million UK older people say they are often lonely, and research finds those who feel disconnected from others show faster rates of cognitive decline than people who don’t feel lonely. Addressing loneliness is important, and adult day care centres could be a welcome opportunity for older adults to regularly socialise in a low-pressure environment. Families and caregivers may also benefit from adult day care as a form of respite, to give them a break and reduce stress.
Is adult day care right for your loved one?
Adult day care can be ideal for older people who enjoy having weekly structure, and for caregivers who need short-term respite care where their loved one can go to a safe, comfortable environment for several hours and be monitored by trained professionals. Adult day care offers companionship, stimulation, and routine, and in many cases will be free or low-cost compared to other types of care.
Conversely, some older adults may feel day care places them in an unfamiliar environment with strangers, and encourages them to participate in activities for which they are physically or mentally incapable. In these cases, home care may be more appropriate. The best choice depends on your loved one’s personality, needs, and family circumstances.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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This is a company whose staff really do care on a personal level and who are client orientated, providing stimulative activities, conversation and going the extra mile to help client and family.Eileen, Client
I have had my care from Home Instead for almost ten years and things just keep getting better. I can’t praise them enough.Kevan, Client
As I got older, I realised that this service had made me happy in my own home.Elisie, Client
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How to get started finding and arranging adult day care
To get started with adult day care, you can contact the local adult social services team, who will offer information on nearby day care. Your loved one might need a Care Needs Assessment to determine whether they fit the criteria to be eligible for free adult day care, but regardless of outcome, they can advise on other care options. For example, they may recommend other types of respite care to give your loved one a much-needed change of pace while you get a break.
If you need private day care instead, research local centres to see if they could be a good fit. It’s best to check if they specialise in areas you might need, such as dementia care. When you have some options, arrange visits and a trial session to see how your loved one fares.
Why Home Instead?
If adult day care doesn’t feel like the right choice for your loved one, there are other options available, and it may help to try them all on for size to see what benefits your older relative most. Home care with a dedicated, professional carer might be a better fit, and if so, our person-centred care can help to provide engaging, enjoyable activities for your older loved one, as well as respite for you.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, and many of our locations are rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so we can design a personalised package of care to align with your needs, whether that means a few hours of daily personal care, or specialist live-in support to manage a more challenging health condition.
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FAQs
What is adult day care as a home care service?
Adult day care, when provided through home care, means that a Care Professional supports your loved one to attend daytime activities, social clubs, or community groups. It combines companionship with practical support to help older adults stay active and engaged outside the home.
Who is adult day care suitable for?
It’s ideal for older adults who would benefit from more social interaction, stimulation, and routine, but still want the reassurance of professional support while out and about. It can be especially helpful for those who may feel isolated or anxious leaving the house alone.
What does adult day care include?
Our Care Professionals can provide transport to and from community centres, hobby groups, church meetings, or exercise classes. They can also accompany your loved one, offering reassurance, assistance, and companionship throughout the day.
How does adult day care benefit families?
It ensures older relatives can enjoy safe, fulfilling activities in the community while giving family carers peace of mind and a break from daily responsibilities. It also encourages independence and helps maintain confidence.
How is adult day care different from other home care services?
Unlike standard home care, which usually focuses on support in the home, adult day care extends care into the community. It’s about enabling older adults to keep doing the things they love, with the right support in place to balance safety with independence.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.