Find an adult day program near you, free

How BrightenDay helps

BrightenDay does not run an adult day center or provide care. We are a free matching and information service for families in the United States.

We help you look for daytime programs for an older or disabled adult who lives at home. That may include:

• Social adult day programs with activities, meals, supervision, and company
• Adult day health programs with nursing, therapy, health monitoring, and personal care
• Dementia or memory day care with a secure setting and trained staff

Many centers also offer transportation and meals. One of the biggest benefits is respite. A daytime break can help a family caregiver rest, work, go to appointments, or handle daily life. Needing help does not mean you are failing your loved one.

If you want help getting started, you can get matched for free or learn about the main program types.

What you fill out

The form is simple. It is not a medical intake.

We ask for contact details and general care-need details so we can help you find possible adult day centers. For example, you may be asked about:

• Your name and best phone or email
• Your ZIP code or city
• Whether you are looking for social day care, adult day health, or memory support
• Whether transportation matters
• Your preferred days or hours
• Your main goal, like supervision, activities, personal care, or caregiver respite

We do not need sensitive records such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medication lists, or full medical history.

If there is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number.

What happens after you ask for help

Here is what you can expect:

1. You share basic information. Start with the free matching form.
2. We look for possible fits. We use your location and general care needs to identify licensed or certified adult day centers that may be worth a closer look.
3. You review your options. We may share centers to contact and compare.
4. You ask questions and visit. This part matters. You visit. You compare. You choose.

Before enrolling anywhere, always:

• Choose a licensed or certified adult day center
• Verify the license or certification yourself
• Visit in person
• Confirm services, schedule, transportation, safety, and cost in writing

A center can look good on paper but feel different in person. Trust what you see. Watch how staff greet participants. Ask how they handle meals, toileting, mobility help, activities, and transportation timing.

What adult day care may cost

Costs vary by program, level of care, state, and any Medicaid or other benefits.

Typical daily ranges are:

• Social adult day programs: about $60-$100/day
• Adult day health programs: about $90-$160/day
• Dementia day care: about $80-$150/day

A common national average is around $90-$100/day, but real prices can be lower or higher. Many programs run roughly 7am-6pm, though schedules vary.

Some families pay privately. In many states, Medicaid HCBS waivers, the VA, or long-term-care insurance may help pay for some programs. Coverage is never guaranteed, and eligibility depends on the program, the state, and the benefit rules. BrightenDay does not offer legal, financial, or insurance advice.

You can read more about typical costs or general information on whether Medicaid may pay for adult day care.

How to stay in control while you compare

You are still the decision-maker. A good match is not just about distance. It is about fit.

When you speak with a center, ask clear questions like:

• Is the center licensed or certified, and how can I verify it?
• What ages and needs do you serve?
• Do you offer social care, health services, memory support, or a mix?
• What are your hours, and do you offer part-time schedules?
• Is transportation available to my area?
• What meals and activities are included?
• What is the daily cost, and what extra fees should I expect?
• How do you support a participant who is confused, anxious, or needs help with personal care?

It helps to tour more than one place. If you can, visit while the program is active, not just after hours. For a step-by-step checklist, see how to choose an adult day center.

A daytime break can help the whole family

Many caregivers wait too long to ask for help because they feel guilty. But respite is not giving up. It is support that can make home care more sustainable.

Adult day care can give your loved one structure, company, meals, and a safer routine during the day. It can also give you time to work, sleep, recover, or simply think.

If that sounds like what your family needs, start small. Ask about one day a week. Compare a few centers. See how your loved one responds. Learn more about caregiver respite if you are unsure whether it is time.