How Much Does Adult Day Care Cost?
August 22, 2023 / Adult Day Care
If you or your family have been operating as the primary caregiver for your loved one, you know that it can be difficult to find time to work, take care of things in your personal life, and simply take some time for yourself. Adult day care is an excellent option to enroll your loved one in to provide safe, structured care throughout the day, allowing you time to complete the tasks you need to get done and have a break from the stress of being a full time caregiver. The benefits of adult day care are not just for the caregiver; they also provide seniors with an opportunity to get out of the house, socialize, exercise, and be stimulated physically, socially, and mentally. The costs associated with adult day care are generally much lower than those associated with other long term care options, such as nursing homes or in-home care. The team at Senior Care AZ, a senior placement agency in Arizona, is breaking down these costs, how to pay for adult day care, and if these costs might be tax deductible.
What Is Adult Day Care (ADC)?
Adult day care (ADC) is a program that generally operates anywhere from 8 to 12 hours a day and provides seniors and adults with cognitive or physical disabilities with a safe environment to socialize while being supervised by professionals. Adult care centers often vary in their services offered, but most offer some form of therapeutic exercise, brain stimulation for attendees, social activities that are appropriate for any limitations an individual may have, and help with personal care such as using the restroom or grooming. Facilities will provide meals and snacks, and many will also provide door to door transportation. There are a number of different types of adult day care that may provide specialized services and offerings to attendees. Social centers often focus on social stimulation and meals, while medical or health programs provide more intensive therapies or medical related services. Specialized centers may have requirements for patients, such as only accepting patients who have dementia. Evidence shows that seniors who attend adult day care have a better quality of life and that they provide health related, social, psychological, and behavioral benefits for the participants.
Costs of Adult Day Care by State
The costs of adult day care vary based on the type of facility an individual is enrolled in and their location. The median monthly cost for adult day care in each state is included below:
| State | Median Monthly Cost (160 hours) |
| Alabama | $758 |
| Alaska | $1,562 |
| Arizona | $2,102 |
| Arkansas | $1,733 |
| California | $1,842 |
| Colorado | $1,950 |
| Connecticut | $1,842 |
| Delaware | $1,166 |
| District of Columbia | N/A |
| Florida | $1,517 |
| Georgia | $1,300 |
| Hawaii | $1,625 |
| Idaho | $2,167 |
| Illinois | $1,885 |
| Indiana | $1,733 |
| Iowa | $1,353 |
| Kansas | $1,788 |
| Kentucky | $1,690 |
| Louisiana | $1,788 |
| Maine | $2,600 |
| Maryland | $1,928 |
| Massachusetts | $1,587 |
| Michigan | $1,733 |
| Minnesota | $2,167 |
| Mississippi | $1,408 |
| Missouri | $1,907 |
| Montana | $2,600 |
| Nebraska | $1,842 |
| Nevada | $1,788 |
| New Hampshire | $1,842 |
| New Jersey | $1,950 |
| New Mexico | $1,993 |
| New York | $1,907 |
| North Carolina | $1,197 |
| North Dakota | $3,383 |
| Ohio | $1,733 |
| Oklahoma | $1,495 |
| Oregon | $2,654 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,625 |
| Rhode Island | $1,798 |
| South Carolina | $1,408 |
| South Dakota | $2,600 |
| Tennessee | $1,733 |
| Texas | $769 |
| Utah | $1,939 |
| Vermont | $3,224 |
| Virginia | $1,690 |
| Washington | $2,600 |
| West Virginia | $1,083 |
| Wisconsin | $1,723 |
| Wyoming | $1,733 |
How to Pay For Adult Day Care
Many families will rely on private funds to pay for adult day care, especially since the benefits of adult day care may greatly assist caregivers in addition to the elderly. Other options may be available to assist qualifying seniors with covering the costs of adult day care.
Does Medicare Pay For Adult Day Care?
Medicare does not pay for any form of adult day care. Medicare will cover costs associated with medical expenses, but no form of adult day care will be included under a senior’s coverage of Medicare.
Does Medicaid Pay For Adult Day Care?
In every state, Medicaid will pay for adult day care, especially if an individual’s alternative is nursing home care. Medicaid state plans cover adult day care, and the program will pay the costs.
Does the VA Pay For Adult Day Care?
The VA will generally cover the costs of specialized adult day health care, but it will not typically cover the costs of adult day care without specialized medical assistance.
Are Adult Day Care Costs Tax-Deductible?
Adult daycare costs are generally tax deductible. If your loved one is receiving adult day care services, you can either include the cost as a medical expense and receive a medical expense deduction, or you can claim the dependent care credit. Both of these options will allow you to deduct the costs of adult day care and save money on your tax return.