Key Findings from the 2010 MetLife Study
Adult Day Services Are a Growing Source of Long-Term Care
- There are more than 4,600 adult day services centers across the U.S. — a 35% increase since 2002.
- More than 260,000 participants and family caregivers are serviced — an increase of over 100,000, or 63%, since 2002.
Adult Day Services Provide Comprehensive Skilled Health Care
- A full range of interdisciplinary professionals meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of participants and family caregivers.
- Nearly 80% of adult day services centers have a nursing professional on staff, nearly 50% have a social work professional on staff, and approximately 60% offer case management services.
- Approximately 50% provide physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- There is one direct care worker for every six participants, facilitating individualized, person-centered care and enabling staff to care for increasingly complex needs.
- Adult day services centers serve as an emerging provider of transitional care and short-term rehabilitation following hospital discharge.
Adult Day Services Are a Preferred Platform for Chronic Disease Management
- There is an increase in disease-specific programs offered in centers to address chronic conditions.
- More than ever, adult day services participants have higher levels of chronic conditions and disease, such as hypertension (46%), physical disability (42%), cardiovascular disease (34%), diabetes (31%), mental illness (25%), and developmental disability (20%).
- There is a heightened focus on prevention and health maintenance — nearly 80% of centers offer physical activity programs to address cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Adult Day Services Are Leaders in Community-Based Care for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
- Adult day services centers provide an interactive, safe, and secure environment.
- Nearly half of all participants have some level of dementia.
- Approximately 90% of centers offer cognitive stimulation programs, almost 80% provide memory training programs, and more than 75% offer educational programs.
- The care provided may allow these individuals to delay nursing home placement.
Adult Day Services Are an Essential Source of Support for Family Caregivers
- Adult day services provide a reliable source of support, restore balance in times of crisis, and enhance overall quality of life for caregivers.
- Adult day services provide respite to family caregivers.
- Over 80% of participants attend full days and 46% attend five days per week, enabling family caregivers to remain in the workforce.
- Most centers provide caregiver support programs, including educational programs (70%), caregiver support groups (58%), and individual counseling (40%).
References:
¹ National Study of Adult Day Services, 2001-2002. Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Partners in Caregiving: The Adult Day Services Program, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2002.²The MetLife Mature Market Institute® www.MatureMarketInstitute.com.
³The Ohio State University College of Social Work www.csw.osu.edu
