Originally funded by the State of California until 2012, the budget for this program has been cut. Although many of the Resource Centers continue to operate as nonprofit day care centers, their services are no longer free to qualified seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Alternatively, California families with an elder who lives at home with them and needs daytime supervision may benefit from contacting their local Area Agency on Aging to discuss whether they have funds available for subsidized adult day care through a program made possible by the Older Americans Act. Additionally, Medi-Cal eligible seniors should consider whether the Medi-Cal Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) Program would be a good fit for their needs.
Program Description
The Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers program, abbreviated as ADCRC, provides day care services for Alzheimer’s patients in the mid to late stages, as well as support for their caregivers at a network of 36 adult day care centers throughout the state. By offering free to low cost day care services, California hopes to prevent or delay institutionalization of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related memory disorders.
Did You Know? According to Harvard University, elderly individuals that have an active social life may have a slower rate of memory decline.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
To receive care services in this program, individuals must be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or related memory disorders and require supervision. Priority is given to individuals with moderate to severe levels of impairment. Priority may also be given to individuals that reside locally.
Financial Requirements
There are no income or asset limits, and fees are based on a sliding scale. Each ADCRC sets its own fee schedule.
Benefits and Services
The ADCRC Program provides services and supports to both individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Services are provided at the center locations, not to individuals in their homes. The exact services differ at each Resource Center. Typically, they include the following:
- Adult day care
- Care planning
- Caregiver training
- Meals / snacks
- Respite care (to relieve primary caregivers)
- Support groups for caregivers
- Supervision
- Support with activities of daily living
- Social activities, such as arts, games, and live entertainment
- Transportation assistance (to / from adult day care facility)
How to Apply / Learn More
Unfortunately due to budgetary issues with the state of California much of this program’s allocation has been cut. This may result in the closing of some of the Resources Centers. Rather than list the centers here, it is advisable to get the latest information by contacting your local California Area Agency on Aging. One can apply for assistance directly with the Alzheimer’s Resource Center nearest them. One may also read more information about the program here.
Should there not be an Alzheimer’s Day Resource Center open in your geographic area, one can search for private pay, adult day care centers here.
There are many sources of financial assistance for Alzheimer’s care.
