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What You Need to Know Before Opening An Adult Day Center!

Adult day services centers have grown markedly since the first centers, as we know them today, opened in the United States in the 1950s.  Given the demographics, we can expect the demand to increase beyond the estimated 4,500 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.

Responses to Common Statements about Opening

and Operating Adult Day Centers

It's always been my dream...People without a vision perish.  But the reality is that research, money, organization and planning are necessary to help make dreams come true.

It looks like you could make money in it.  Looks can certainly be deceiving.  Nationally, about 70 percent of centers operate as private not-for-profit so they can tap into grants to help keep them afloat.  Areas with sparser populations and higher rural poverty coupled with limited government funding make adult day services less feasible.  Medicaid funding is limited.  Medicare is just now piloting possible reimbursements for the service.

It seems like a great idea and I know what I want.  If you have not visited at least five adult day centers, begin scheduling visits today.  not sure where centers are in your area?  Check the yellow pages, Area Agency on Aging, state department on aging or department of social services.  The state association of adult day service providers may also be helpful.  Spend some time volunteering in a center to get a feel for reality.  Operating an adult day center is life-consuming. For starters, it affects you daily schedule, your nighttime schedule, how you sleep, your eating habits, your social life, your political aptitude, your personal care skills, your pride and your humility.

We got a grant...  Congratulations!  So, how will you survive after the grant ends?  Any successful business venture requires planning ahead and establishing strategies to generate private pay revenue.  Depending solely on government reimbursements or grants will close your center before you hardly get the doors open.

If I build it they will come.  That may work with baseball fields, but is not usually the case with adult day centers.  Although adult day centers have operated in this country for 30+ years, the relative newness of the industry still requires us to market, market, market.  marketing the center to targeted people is much more likely to yield a successful center than relying on broadcasted marketing like media (television, radio, newspapers).  Check out the marketing resources we've found helpful!

Words of Wisdom

• Check out the market.  Discover a wealth of valuable insight from our newly published book, What You need to Know Before Opening an Adult Day Center.  A survey completed for your state or area can also serve as a valuable resource in determining feasibility.

• Learn about regulations.  Certification or licensure are common in a majority of states now.  Contact the department of aging or department of social services to learn more about the rules and licensing process for your area.

• Join the adult day services association in your state.  There is a wealth of information you can learn by networking with people already in the business.  Invest in resources written specifically for or by adult day services professionals.  You don't have to be an expert to benefit from state associations--just a member!

Order Our Helpful Guide:  What You Need to Know Before Opening An Adult Day Center!