Adult daycare: an entrepreneurial opportunity for nursing

By the year 2000 13% of the general U.S. population will be made up of those over 65. Many states are seeking cost-effective ways to provide structure and some assistance for these individuals to help keep them in their own homes and out of institutions. The National Institute on Adult Daycare (NIAD) defines adult daycare as "a community-based program designed to meet the needs of minimally impaired adults through an individualized plan of care for part of a 24-hour day." Between 1980 and 1990 the number of centers grew from 1,200 to 3,000; by the year 2000, NIAD estimates that there will be a need for 10,000 adult daycare centers. The authors advise interested nurse entrepreneurs to consider the potential for establishing and running such centers and provide a roadmap for developing a business plan. A careful market analysis in your selected community should be the first step in the process of developing a workable business plan.