What are Adult Day Services?
Caring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with learning experiences for families and caregivers. Many turn to community resources such as senior centers or semi-independent living facilities. During their search sifting through countless websites, they may come across the term “Adult Day Services” (ADS) but may not fully understand what it means.
We wrote this article to answer your questions and help you explore whether ADS might be the right solution for your loved one.
What are Adult Day Services?
Minnesota law defines ADS as:
“Individualized program of activities designed to meet the assessed health and social needs of an older adult outside their residence during the day. Adult day services include the delivery of supervision, care, assistance, training and activities directed toward achieving specific outcomes, as identified in the person’s support plan.”
Simply put, ADS provides daily enrichment, socialization, and care while offering respite to caregivers and families. These services ensure that participants have a structured, engaging day while still returning home in the evening.
At Mount Olivet Day Services, we like to say we’re a participant’s “second home”. Our attendees enjoy the comfort of a hearty lunch, meaningful friendships, and support from a dedicated staff.
Who can benefit from ADS?
ADS programs generally serve adults 18 years or older, with a particular focus on seniors and adults with disabilities. These programs create a close-knit community where participants can engage in various hobbies and maintain independence.
What does a typical day program look like?
While every program is unique, a typical day at Mount Olivet Day Services (MODS) can look like the following:
9:00 – Morning snack, coffee, juice, and free time
10:00 – Groups split for games or crafts
11:00 – Group chair exercise and stretching
12:00 – Lunch with dessert
1:00 – Group activity
1:30 – Hymns, scripture readings and devotions
2:00 – Live entertainment
3:00 – Free time
When visiting an ADS facility, it’s important to review the daily schedule and see if their routine would be a good fit for your loved ones.
How do I get enrolled in an adult day program?
Every ADS facility has its own enrollment process, but at Mount Olivet Day Services, we strive to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
Tour the Facility – Staff will guide you through our facility and answer any questions or concerns.
Schedule a Free Trial Day – Your loved one can experience a day at our program at no cost to you.
Enrollment – If the trial day is a success and you’d like to enroll, our Admissions Manager will walk you through the simple enrollment paperwork step by step.
Final Thoughts
By now, we hope you have a clearer understanding of what Adult Day Services are and the benefits they can offer your family.
If you’re interested in scheduling a tour of Mount Olivet Day Services, call Alysha Grant, Marketing & Admissions Manager, at 612-413-7500. We’d love to welcome you into our community!