MetLife National Study 2010
The MetLife National Study of Adult Day Services, a collaborative partnership of the MetLife Mature Market Institute in conjunction with the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) and The Ohio State University College of Social Work, was conducted in 2010. Data was collected and analyzed from a representative sample of adult day services centers, focusing on the characteristics of adult day services (i.e., years of operation, physical spaces, sources of revenue), a profile of participants (i.e., age distribution, health status, living arrangements), and the range of services offered (i.e., care planning, health oversight, assistance with activities of daily living, caregiver support). When possible the 2010 findings were compared with the findings from the first national study of adult day services conducted in 2002 by the Partners in Caregiving program and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The study provides a picture of adult day services in the U.S. and offers a look to the future. It is anticipated that it will serve as a resource for public policymakers, service providers, researchers, and consumers, and can guide the development of adult day services to maintain and improve the quality of life for participants and family caregivers.
Adult Day Services Are a Growing Source of Long-Term Care
- There are more than 4,600 adult day services centers across the U.S. — a 35% increase since 2002.
- More than 260,000 participants and family caregivers are serviced — an increase of over 100,000, or 63%, since 2002.
Adult Day Services Provide Comprehensive Skilled Health Care
- A full range of interdisciplinary professionals meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of participants and family caregivers.
- Nearly 80% of adult day services centers have a nursing professional on staff, nearly 50% have a social work professional on staff, and approximately 60% offer case management services.
- Approximately 50% provide physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- There is one direct care worker for every six participants, facilitating individualized, person-centered care and enabling staff to care for increasingly complex needs.
- Adult day services centers serve as an emerging provider of transitional care and short-term rehabilitation following hospital discharge.
Adult Day Services Are a Preferred Platform for Chronic Disease Management
- There is an increase in disease-specific programs offered in centers to address chronic conditions.
- More than ever, adult day services participants have higher levels of chronic conditions and disease, such as hypertension (46%), physical disability (42%), cardiovascular disease (34%), diabetes (31%), mental illness (25%), and developmental disability (20%).
- There is a heightened focus on prevention and health maintenance — nearly 80% of centers offer physical activity programs to address cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Adult Day Services Are Leaders in Community-Based Care for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
- Adult day services centers provide an interactive, safe, and secure environment.
- Nearly half of all participants have some level of dementia.
- Approximately 90% of centers offer cognitive stimulation programs, almost 80% provide memory training programs, and more than 75% offer educational programs.
- The care provided may allow these individuals to delay nursing home placement.
Adult Day Services Are an Essential Source of Support for Family Caregivers
- Adult day services provide a reliable source of support, restore balance in times of crisis, and enhance overall quality of life for caregivers.
- Adult day services provide respite to family caregivers.
- Over 80% of participants attend full days and 46% attend five days per week, enabling family caregivers to remain in the workforce.
- Most centers provide caregiver support programs, including educational programs (70%), caregiver support groups (58%), and individual counseling (40%).