Day Centres & Adult Day Care Explained

Day centres are one of the most useful — and most under-used — forms of support. They give an older person company, activity and a change of scene, while giving their carer a vital break. Here's how they work.

Adult day care (a "day centre" or "day service") offers supervised activities and support during the day, with the person returning home each evening. For many families it's the support that makes staying at home sustainable — for both people. Yet lots of carers never realise it's an option.

What day centres offer

Provision varies, but a good day centre typically provides:

• Company and social contact — a real antidote to the isolation many older people face at home
• Activities — from crafts, music and games to gentle exercise and outings
• A hot meal and refreshments
• Personal care support during the day if needed
• Specialist sessions — some centres focus on dementia, or on particular communities or interests
• Sometimes transport to and from the centre

Who benefits — the person and the carer

For the person, it's stimulation, friendship and structure. For the carer, it's a dependable break — to work, rest, or simply breathe — which is often what makes continuing to care at home possible. It's a close cousin of respite care.

What does it cost, and who pays?

Costs vary widely — some centres charge a daily fee (often modest, sometimes including the meal and transport); others are run by charities. If the person has been assessed as needing this support, the council may fund some or all of it after a needs assessment and financial assessment. Attending as part of a funded care package, or through a personal budget, is common. Always ask what's included (meal, transport, personal care) when comparing.

How to find a good day centre

• Ask your council's adult social care team, or search their website — they usually list local services.
• Check with charities like Age UK and, for dementia, Alzheimer's Society, which run day services in many areas.
• Visit first. Is it warm and welcoming? Are people engaged and enjoying themselves? Do the staff seem kind and unhurried?
• Match it to the person's interests and needs — a centre geared to dementia, or to a particular hobby, culture or language, can make all the difference to whether they enjoy it.
• Ease them in gently — a taster session or two helps someone settle before committing.