Program Description
These two very similar programs, Adult Day Services and Alzheimer’s Day Treatment, are both provided by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities through Delaware Health and Social Services. Both programs, which are provided statewide and are available to both non-Medicaid and Medicaid persons, provide supervision and non-medical care during daytime hours in structured group environments. In Alzheimer’s Day Treatment, medical care is also available.
The main distinction between these adult day care programs is specialized treatment for persons with Alzheimer’s or related dementia vs. assistance for frail, aging individuals without the condition.
These programs also serve as respite care programs, allowing one’s primary caregiver to work without worrying about the well-being of their loved ones.
Did You Know? 35% of seniors with dementia leave their home only once a week. Adult day care provides an affordable option to increase that percentage and also increases positive health outcomes.
Eligibility Guidelines
Adult Day Service Eligibility:
Applicants for Adult Day Services must be legal residents of the state of Delaware and at least 18 years of age. This program does not have a waiting period for new state residents. In other words, new residents of the state receive the same priority as long-term residents. Applicants also must be living at home or in the home of a friend or family member. They cannot reside in a nursing home or assisted living residence. Functionally, individuals must require near constant supervision and cannot be left unattended for extended periods of time. A clinical assessment will be done to determine functional need.
There is no set income and asset limits. Little information is published about the financial eligibility criteria. However, low-income individuals are given priority. Persons are encouraged to make voluntary contributions for their care based on a sliding scale.
Alzheimer’s Day Treatment Eligibility:
Applicants must be legal residents of Delaware. Length of residency does not impact one’s eligibility. Therefore, newcomers to the state can participate in this program. Nor does the program have an age requirement, though most participants are elderly.
Medically, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related dementia is required. Related dementias include Vascular, Frontotemporal, and Lewy body dementias, as well as dementia resulting from Parkinson’s Disease. There are no financial eligibility criteria, but again, program participants are encouraged to voluntarily contribute towards the cost of care.
Benefits and Services
Adult Day Services centers provide supervision, light personal care, meals and snacks, and most importantly, social and recreational activities, such as arts and crafts. Some centers also offer transportation to and from their location or have partnered with other organizations to do so.
Alzheimer’s Day Treatment offers higher levels of care that include all the services offered in Adult Day Care, but also medication oversight, more intensive personal care assistance, skilled nursing, and some medical care. In addition, the staff is knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s and other related dementias and is equipped to provide care specifically for this population.
Services are provided via a sliding scale based on one’s income.
How to Apply / Learn More
For Alzheimer’s Day Treatment, Delaware state residents should contact ChristianaCare HomeHealth’s Evergreen Center directly for enrollment. One can call 302-995-8448 or click here for additional contact information.
Adult Day Services candidates should contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center. Some very limited additional information is available about this program here. Although not necessarily intended for a consumer audience, more information can be found here.
