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Characteristics of dementia-specific day programs
K A Sherrill1, B V Reifler, R S Henry
1Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.
Pride Institute Journal of Long Term Home Health Care
|February 2, 1993
Summary
This study offers the first national overview of dementia-specific adult day programs in the US. Findings reveal consistent operations and staffing, but varied funding and community reach.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dementia Care Research
- Community-Based Elder Care
Background:
- Adult day programs are expanding as community-based care options for seniors.
- Limited literature exists on dementia-specific adult day programs.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding these specialized programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first national overview of dementia-specific adult day programs in the United States.
- To describe the operational characteristics and funding of these programs.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 283 applicants to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Dementia Care and Respite Services Program.
- Analysis of program data regarding operations, staffing, funding, and community served.
Main Results:
- Programs showed consistency in operating hours and professional staff utilization.
- Significant variability was observed in funding sources and the size of the community served.
- Participant fees contributed less than 25% of average total revenues.
Conclusions:
- Dementia-specific adult day programs in the US exhibit a core consistency in service delivery and staffing.
- Diverse funding models and community scopes characterize these essential elder care services.
- Further research can explore optimizing funding and reach for these specialized programs.