Frequently Asked Questions about Adult Day Health Centers
- What is an Adult Day Health Center?
- How do I pay for the program?
- Is there transportation to the Center?
- What does the Enrollment Process involve?
- What happens during a typical day at Adult Day Health?
- Does the staff provide assistance with activities of daily living?
- How many days a week may I attend?
- What other services are available?
- Are all Adult Day Health Centers certified by a state agency?
- Who will meet my healthcare needs?
- What if I have special diet considerations?
- What are the benefits of attending Adult Day Health?
- Why are Welch Adult Day Health Programs unique?
What is an Adult Day Health Center?
Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group Adult Day Health Centers provide a wide range of health and social services in a secure and homelike setting. The goal is to enhance the lives of center members and promote their continued involvement in the community. The centers provide respite to caregivers and allows older adults in need of services to remain in their home and in the community.
How do I pay for the Program?
Center services are covered by Mass Health/Medicaid, the Veteran’s Administration, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs through South Shore Elder Services. Many long-term care insurance companies also provide coverage for adult day health services. The private daily rate for the Colonial Adult Day Health Center is $56. The daily rate for Hancock Park and Harbor House s $60.
Is there transportation to the Center?
Welch Healthcare offers van, wheelchair and taxi services. Some members prefer to use services from the MBTA The Ride Program. Caregivers also may choose to drive one or both ways to the center. Quincy Trans Van may be available for residents of Quincy.
What does the Enrollment Process involve?
There are several steps to enrollment. They include completion of an application, a personal interview, current physical exam and a negative Mantoux test to rule out the presence of Tuberculosis.
What happens during a typical day at Adult Day Health?
The Centers offer a full day of interaction and activity, Monday - Friday, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Our Recreation Program maximizes physical and cognitive abilities as well as social opportunities for participants. The day begins with a Continental Breakfast followed by an exercise program. After a short refreshment break, members enjoy an activity. At lunch there is a choice of two nutritious hot meals. The afternoon program begins with a short walk that is followed by a less strenuous activity. Members are offered a small snack prior to leaving for the day.
Does the staff provide assistance with activities of daily living?
Each center member has an interdisciplinary care plan tailored to meet their specific needs and goals. Assistance with activities of daily living are provided by the center nurse and program assistants. Group activities are usually scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes, with time between activities to assist participants with toileting, incontinence care and other self-care tasks.
How many days a week may I attend?
To ensure a participant receives the benefits of meaningful involvement, members must attend at least twice a week. Members attending three to five days a week seem to receive the greatest benefit from the program.
What other services are available?
The centers also provide podiatry services, member and family support and counseling, educational programs, barber/hairdressing services, whirlpool baths and showers.
Are all Adult Day Health Centers certified by a state agency?
The majority of centers in Massachusetts, including the Welch Healthcare centers, are certified by the State. The Welch Healthcare centers also exceed all national guidelines and standards for adult day health programs.
Who will meet my healthcare needs?
A registered nurse provides preventive healthcare interventions as directed by a member’s physician. A licensed social worker provides supportive counseling and referrals for members and their caregivers.
What if I have special diet considerations?
Special diets can be accommodated. But all members receive a Continental Breakfast, a choice of two hot, nutritious noontime entrees and an afternoon snack.
What are the benefits of attending Adult Day Health?
Members find that the program’s medical monitoring, socialization and activities renew their sense of enthusiasm for life.
Why are Welch Adult Day Health Programs unique?
Welch Adult Day Health Centers are unique because they are part of a coordinated referral network of professional and caring services. Our comprehensive healthcare services and programs include:
- Rehabilitation & Nursing Centers
- Assisted Living Communities
- Short-term transitional programs
- Respite Care
- Alzheimer’s Care
- Rehabilitation Services
- Home Health Services
- Referral Services
- Educational programs
- Support Groups
Supportive Services offered
- Supervision and monitoring by a registered nurse
- Medication administration & management
- Social work services - referral for assistance at home
- Nutritious hot meals and snacks
- Healthcare teaching by a registered nurse
- Showers, whirlpool baths
- Incontinence care and personal hygiene assistance
- Educational seminars - guest speakers
- Podiatry services
- Barber/hairdresser
- Onsite Care-giving meetings
Therapeutic Activity Program
- Daily exercise program and daily supervised walking groups
- Peer companionship
- Current events & discussion groups
- Bowling League, Miniature Golf Tournament & Team Basketball
- Word Challenges
- Book Club
- Craft classes
- Sing-a-longs & musical entertainment
- Religious services
- Outings to local restaurants and beach trips
- Poetry & art classes
- Baking & cooking classes
- Specific activities for individuals with dementia