Public Policy
With roughly a quarter-million Americans turning 65 every month, the need for adult day services and other home- and community-based services is increasing. Certification in the state of Indiana is imperative if our industry is to maintain and enhance our best practices.
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To date, our conversations with various individuals and groups has solidified our conviction that a mandatory quality-assurance process is necessary. After thoughtful collaboration with the IAADS Public Policy & Certification Committee, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and the Division of Aging, it became clear that an Association-managed certification process would be the best decision.
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While the majority of oversight for licensure typically operates through the Division of Health, we are seeking this type of relationship with the Division of Aging (as they currently oversee the optional Medicaid Waiver certification for ADS and are well-versed in the adult day services industry). The IAADS Board was instrumental in the development of existing Medicaid Waiver Standards & Guidelines, and so we propose that certification be based upon these Standards & Guidelines.
In light of this, the IAADS Board of Directors has hired Emily Tisdale, former IAADS Board President, as the Interim Executive Director for the Association. In this role, she will serve as the primary point of contact and facilitator as we move forward with investigating the next steps needed to pursue the certification process.
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This process is new to all of us and we welcome any thoughts, questions, and/or concerns you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. Your feedback will help strengthen our next steps for the industry.
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Why adult day services?Adult day services provide a program of social, recreational, and health activities and services in a group setting that: Helps mentally and/or physically challenged adults to maintain or improve their level of functioning in order to remain in the community Offers participants the opportunity to socialize, enjoy peer support, and receive health and social services in a stimulating and supportive environment that promotes better physical and mental health Provides assistance to families and other caregivers that have responsibility for an older adult who cannot be left alone during the day and yet does not require 24-hour nursing care in an institution Helps functionally impaired adults who live alone and need supportive services to improve or maintain their level of independence
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What are the goals of adult day services?Building on the supportive environment offered within a group setting, adult day services programs work to: Promote the individual’s maximum level of independence Maintain the individual’s present level of functioning as long as possible, preventing or delaying further deterioration Provide support, respite, and education for families and other caregivers Foster socialization and peer interaction Serve as an integral part of the community service network and long-term care continuum
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Who uses adult day services?Day services participants include adults who: Are physically challenged Are socially isolated Have memory problems due to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias Are in need of assistance with personal care Are limited in their ability to function independently in the community
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What do adult day services offer?Adult day services offer an individualized plan of care to meet the needs of each participant. Participants attend on a scheduled basis, and services may include the following: Care and supervision Group & individual activities Meals and snacks Transportation Personal care management
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What other resources do you recommend?The resources listed on this page are not meant for direct business solicitations. The purpose of listing resources on this page is to identify those resources that provide information and services to assist IAADS members in developing their business. Although not solely not-for-profit organizations, those listed will provide direct assistance to the IAADS member organizations. Approval / Disapproval of links for this page is solely at the discretion of the IAADS Board of Directors. National Adult Day Services Association Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging AARP Administration on Aging Family Caregiver Alliance State of Indiana The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana