How BrightenDay works

What BrightenDay does

We help families find daytime care options for an older or disabled adult who lives at home. This 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 more secure setting and trained staff

Many centers also offer transportation and meals. One of the biggest benefits is respite for the family caregiver: a real daytime break to work, rest, run errands, or care for yourself.

If you are just starting, you can learn about the main program types on our adult day care programs page.

How the matching process works

1. You tell us the basics. We ask for contact details and general care-need information, such as the city, the kind of daytime help you are looking for, and preferred schedule. We do not need medical records, medication lists, Social Security numbers, or account numbers.

2. We look for possible matches. We use your location and general needs to identify adult day centers that may fit. We focus on programs that are licensed or certified where required.

3. You get options to compare. We share information so you can review likely fits, ask questions, and decide which centers you want to contact or visit.

4. You choose. You visit in person, verify the center's license or certification yourself, confirm services, hours, transportation, safety, and costs in writing, and decide whether to enroll.

You can start here when you are ready: Get matched.

What BrightenDay is not

BrightenDay is not an adult day center, health care provider, or licensed care professional. We do not run a center. We do not provide hands-on care, nursing, supervision, transportation, treatment, legal advice, or financial advice.

We are an information and matching service only.

A few important points:

• This is not medical advice. We do not diagnose, recommend treatments, or give medical instructions.
• If someone may be having a medical emergency, call the local emergency number right away.
• We do not promise that a center will accept someone, meet every need, or be covered by Medicaid, the VA, insurance, or any other benefit.
• Costs and hours are typical ranges, not quotes. Real cost, schedule, eligibility, and services depend on the program, the level of care, the state, and any Medicaid or other benefits.

Typical examples can still help you plan. Many programs run about 7am to 6pm. Social day programs are often around $60-$100/day. Adult day health is often around $90-$160/day. Dementia day care is often around $80-$150/day. The national average is often around $90-$100/day. You can read more about typical pricing on our costs page.

You stay in control

Needing help in the daytime does not mean you are failing your loved one. Many families use adult day care so they can keep a parent or disabled adult living at home longer, while also protecting the caregiver from burnout.

You stay in charge of the decision.

• You decide which centers to contact
• You ask about staff, activities, meals, transportation, and safety
• You visit in person
• You verify the center's license or certification yourself
• You compare written costs and services before enrolling

A good visit can tell you a lot. Look for a clean space, kind staff, a schedule that fits your day, and activities that feel right for your family member. If respite is the main reason you are searching, our guide on caregiver respite may help you think through what kind of break you need.

What to ask before you enroll

Before choosing a center, ask clear, simple questions. For example:

1. Is the program licensed or certified, and how can I verify it?
2. What kind of program is it: social, adult day health, or dementia day care?
3. What hours do you offer, and is part-time attendance allowed?
4. Do you provide meals and transportation? Is there an extra cost?
5. What is the daily or weekly cost, and what exactly is included?
6. What happens if my loved one needs more help than expected during the day?
7. Can I get the services, fees, policies, and safety information in writing?

If you want a fuller checklist, read how to choose an adult day center.