Ala. Admin. Code r. 410-2-4-.06 - Adult Day Care Programs
(1)
Definition. Adult day care
programs may be identified as structured, comprehensive programs designed to
offer lower cost alternatives to institutionalization for newly or chronically
disabled adults who cannot stay alone during the day, but who do not need
24-hour inpatient care. Designed to promote maximum independence, participants
usually attend on a scheduled basis. Services may include nursing, counseling,
social services, restorative services, medical and health care monitoring,
exercise sessions, field trips, recreational activities, physical, occupational
and speech therapies, medication administration, well balanced meals, and
transportation to and from the facility. Adult day care can provide the respite
family members require to sustain healthy relationships while caring for their
elderly loved one at home. Adult day care programs provide services to one or
more adults not related by blood or marriage to the owner and/or
administrator.
(2)
Analysis
of Existing Adult Day Care Programs. Adult day care programs are not
currently licensed by any department of the state of Alabama. As a consequence,
it is extremely difficult to ascertain the actual number of such programs
within Alabama. However, Adult Day Care Centers are approved through the
Alabama Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Department of Senior
Services and the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The Alabama Department of Mental
Health also uses adult day care.
(3)
Adult Day Care Programs as
Alternatives to Nursing Home Admission
(a) Efforts should be made to maintain an
optimum quality of life for individuals who require extended or long-term care.
The types and amounts of services needed for these individuals vary. In order
to enhance opportunities for individuals needing extended or long-term care
services, the needs of these individuals should be evaluated prior to admission
to any extended care or long-term care program, including nursing homes,
assisted living homes, and adult day care programs.
(b) In an effort to encourage the development
and utilization of alternatives to nursing home and assisted living
(domiciliary) care, adult day care programs and services for the elderly should
be utilized to the greatest extent possible. It is the intent to provide for
the establishment of additional adult day care programs in order that:
(i) the elderly will be given the opportunity
to remain with their families and in their communities rather than being placed
in nursing homes or state institutions;
(ii) families, particularly those with one or
more members working outside of the home, may keep their elderly parents and
relatives with them instead of having to place them in impersonal institutions;
and
(iii) the state of Alabama can
deal more effectively and economically with the needs of its elderly
citizens.
(4)
Financing. Historically, all adult day care programs have been
private pay with some assistance coming from public and community
sources.
(5)
Availability. Adult day care programs are concentrated in the more
populated counties. Many counties have no adult day care programs.
(6)
Continuity
(a) Discussion. Adult day care programs
should provide care appropriate to the needs of their participants. To ensure
that comprehensive services are available and that certain participants receive
a proper level of care, adult day care programs should provide, or should have
agreements with other health care providers to provide, a broad range of care.
When providing these services, transportation and support services for
participants should be provided as necessary.
(b) Self-Help Program. Adult day care program
providers should be encouraged to provide a level of care that will help
maintain and improve function and encourage participants to be as independent
as they can for as long as possible before the condition of such participants
requires a change to a more dependent level of care.
(7)
Quality. Quality care is an
obligation of all adult day care programs operating in Alabama. Each program
should comply with applicable state and local building regulations, and zoning,
fire, and health codes and ordinances. In addition, each program must comply
with all requirements of its funding sources, including requirements with
respect to a Medicaid Waiver, if applicable.
(8)
Promotion of Adult Day Care
Programs. The alternate special affordable care offered by adult day
care programs should be publicized by responsible agencies using some or all of
the following:
(a) Public Service
Announcements
(b) Physicians
(provide literature)
(c) Hospitals
(discharge planners)
(d) Nursing
Homes
(e) The Alabama Commission on
Aging
(f) The American Association
of Retired Persons
(g) Community
Service Agencies/Projects
(h)
Religious Organizations
(i) The
Alabama Department of Human Resources
(j) The Alabama Department of Senior
Services
Notes
Author: Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC)
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, ยง 22-21-260(4).
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.