Adult day services centers have grown markedly since the first centers, as we know them today, opened in the United States in the 1960s. Given the demographics, we can expect the demand to increase beyond the estimated 5,000+ centers already operating in the United States. Starting an adult day center is not an easy task. Keeping one going after it has been launched is filled with challenges, too. But for those of us who know from our own experiences what day services mean for impaired adults and their family caregivers, the results are well worth the time, money and effort. Fortunately, many have gone before you and a number of excellent resources are available to you as you begin this endeavor. Before investing in any resource or consultant, inquire of their experience working in the business to establish their credibility.
Determine a Need for an Adult Day Center in your Area
- Learn the demographics of your community
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging
- Visit adult day centers in your area (Use our online search at the top of the page)
Contact your State Association
State Association leaders are a source of tremendous information regarding adult day centers in your specific state. Many host workshops on opening adult day centers, distribute publications specific to your state, and offer local opportunities for networking. Click to view State Association Partners.
Join the National Adult Day Services Association
There is a wealth of information you can learn by networking with people already in the business. Benefits of membership that may be particularly beneficial to you include access to our member’s only library, the adult day services community list-serv, and discounts on NADSA products. You don’t have to be an expert to benefit from the national or state associations–just a member!
Access National Adult Day Services Publications
- Planning and Creating Successful Adult Day Services and Other Home and Community-Based Services
- Adult Day Services: Secrets, Systems & Strategies Director’s Guide
- Standards and Guidelines for Adult Day Services
- Read the NADSA newsletter The Voice to stay current on adult day services
Know the Rules and Regulations Governing your Area
Regulations vary by state so you will need to become familiar with local and statewide licensing/certification requirements, zoning regulations and safety codes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has compiled a helpful document entitled Regulatory Review of Adult Day Services.
State-by-State Information
Click for information on centers, state licensing, regulations and funding.
Plan Your Business
Learn more about adult day services
- Read the latest research on adult day services published by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics on December 5, 2014, National Study of Long-Term Care Providers (NSLTCP)
- The MetLife Study of Adult Day Services: Providing Support to Individuals and Their Family Caregivers (October, 2010) showed a 35% growth in the number of Adult Day Services centers to 4,600 centers nationwide and an increase of over 100,000 in the number of individuals served since 2002.
- CARF (for national accreditation of adult day services)
- View current legislation and become acquainted with NADSA’s public policy agenda
For further questions please contact the NADSA office at info@NADSA.org