What is Medical Adult Day Care?
Medical Adult Day Care (MADC) are community-based programs designed to meet the needs of functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults who prefer to age at home as opposed to a congregate living setting. MADCs provide essential services that constitute the social determinants of health, including transportation, nutritional meals, physical and cognitive activities, socialization, community engagement, nursing oversight,and access to therapeutic and rehabilitative services under medical and nursing supervision.
When physical and/or cognitive limitations reach a point that the individual no longer can independently perform their activities of daily living (ADLs), appropriate levels of support become essential. MADCs offer a safe, protective environment for individuals who are unable to remain alone or unable to care for themselves. They provide families peace of mind and the opportunity to continue with their lives while providing the support necessary to keep aging parents, health impaired spouses, or disabled family members in their homes.
MADCs may be free standing or may part of a larger organization such as a hospital, long term care facility, or seniors' apartment building. Centers can vary in size from 20 clients enrolled to over 150. Hours and days of operation also vary. Centers are open at least five days per week and many are open six or seven days per week.
Is Medical Adult Day Care Right For My Loved One?
In general, MADCs are an excellent option for individuals who prefer to age at home, stay involved with their communities and loved ones, and at the same time have sufficient caregiver support.
MADCs are a day program where individuals spend their morning and afternoon at the facility and then are transported back to their place of residence.
How is MADC different from assisted living?
MADC and assisted living are different yet complimentary. An assisted living is a place to live and receive assistance with meals and daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating and managing medications. MADCs also provide meals and assistance with daily activities, such as eating, toileting and daily medication administration, but are open strictly during the day and attendees can not stay overnight.
For many individuals, MADC and assisted living makes a great combination. MADC is an ideal option for those who want to age in place at home but need additional assistance during the day, or individuals who live in assisted living and can benefit from socialization and activities at a center while still receiving the care they need.
How is MADC different from a nursing home?
Similar to assisted living, nursing homes are a 24/7 care facility. However, they offer services to those individuals who require a higher level of nursing care but do not need to have continuous hospitalization. In the state of Maryland, an individual who resides in a skilled nursing facility may not also attend an MADC.
How do I enroll my loved one in an MADC?
Make a short list of the MD-MADS MADCs that serve your geographic area by searching our member list. Contact the MACD center of choice to speak with the case manager or the individual responsible for admissions. This person will be able to provide detailed information on their center, the services provided, details of the admission process, and assist with determining any applicable funding sources.
How Much Does Medical Adult Day Care Cost?
In 2024, the cost for one day of services was between $120 and $200, depending on the level of assistance needed by the individual. The cost for MADC is generally much less than the cost of a home health aide or nursing home care. Individual centers will discuss their fees and payment options with you.
How Can I Pay For Medical Adult Day Care?
Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid - Title XIX) pays for those persons who qualify. There are multiple waivers available through Home and Community Based Services offered by Medicaid.
If the individual is on Medical Assistance (MA), an evaluation will have to be completed by Adult Evaluation and Review Services (AERS), a division of local health departments, to determine eligibility. Potential clients, their relatives, staff from agencies, or any concerned individual can request a referral for an AERS assessment to be completed. This application process generally lets the appropriate State and County entities know that you are interested in receiving MADC services and they will contact you and visit you at your place of residence to evaluate and determine if you meet the medical need requirements for the program. Once you have selected a center, you can contact them and they can help initiate the referral for an AERS assessment. If approved, Medical Assistance may pay for up to seven (7) days per week.
If you are unsure about the individual's medical assistance status, or if they do not have MA, the center can provide you with a list of options that are available for you, including:
- Senior care funding from the Maryland Department of Aging
- Veteran's Administration funding
- Long term care insurance
- Private pay
Please note: Medicare and other health insurances do not cover adult day care services.