Mapping and Measuring Access to Adult Day Services for Persons With Dementia: A One State Illustration

Adult day services (ADSs) are key providers of community-based care for persons with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers. In this study, the researchers focused on one state, Mississippi, to evaluate the availability of ADS centers for PWD. Using R software, the researchers mapped the locations of all known ADS centers in the state (N = 48) along with estimates of the number of PWD by county and then overlaid these maps with US Census data. Findings revealed that ADS centers were primarily located in counties with high concentrations of PWD, Black residents, and lower-income residents; however, there was a shortage of availability across every county in the state. While ADS centers were generally located in areas of greatest need, PWD and family caregivers across Mississippi are underserved and lack access to ADS. Policymakers and funding agencies should use data-driven strategies to expand ADS, particularly in high-need, underserved areas.