Adult Day Programs
The following are structured, comprehensive, supervised programs for older adults. Licensed adult day services provide planned physical and mental stimulation, health screenings, therapeutic activities, nutritional snacks, and hot meals. Program staff design an individual plan of care for each person served. Some programs may offer transportation and personal care services (bathing, hair and nail care). Some programs may also provide some of the following: medication monitoring, social services, nursing services and rehabilitation therapy. Ask each program what is offered, depending on your needs.
Rates vary. Private pay; some long-term-care insurance covers adult day services. Most programs have a brief admission procedure.
Adult day programs, because they are a safe place for older persons, can provide time away, or respite, for caregivers. Most social-model adult day programs require that participants have some minimum physical abilities (must be able to walk, capable of self-care, continent, etc.) and be able to adapt to a group setting to be eligible to participate; eligibility criteria vary among programs. Some programs can accept persons with memory loss, who are incontinent, unable to walk, or have other physical or mental impairments.
Some facilities are locked units, making them safe for people who have Alzheimer’s or other memory disorders. Some facilities use other types of devices to set off an alarm when someone leaves the unit without authorization. If your loved one has a tendency to wander, ask the facility staff about their security measures.
The state of Tennessee requires adult day programs to be licensed if they have 10 or more adults in their care.
The programs listed here are not sitter services or “day stay” programs. Those programs, too, can offer respite for caregivers and a safe place for elders, but they are not licensed as adult day services and most do not offer the range of activities provided by licensed programs.
Some housing facilities allow nonresidents to come for a day stay program that provides structured activities in a safe environment. These programs are often not licensed adult day services. See "Housing" See also "Respite."
For a listing of adult day programs in other counties, call the appropriate Office on Aging.
CADES – Concord Adult Day Enrichment Services
675-2835
Concord United Methodist Church
11020 Roane Drive, 37934
Open daytime hours, Mon.-Fri. Drop-ins and respite visits welcome with prior approval and paperwork. For ambulatory or semi-ambulatory elders who are capable of basic self-care. For people with mental or physical impairments, including memory loss. Some financial assistance available.
Daily Living Center (CAC)
689-8412
O’Connor Senior Center
Christenberry Heights, 3900 Probus Road, 37918
For persons on limited income, or at risk. Small-group activities focus on maintaining or relearning lost skills. Transportation available. Open 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Sliding scale fee based on income.
Kay Senior Care Center
521-0289
Church Street United Methodist Church
900 Henley Street, 37902
Open 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Drop-ins and respite visits welcome with prior approval and paperwork. For ambulatory or semi-ambulatory elders who are capable of basic self-care. Some financial assistance available.
» website
Keystone Adult Day Program
483-6631
1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, 37830
Open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Drop-ins welcome with prior approval and paperwork. For ambulatory or nonambulatory adults (18+) with memory loss, mental retardation, physical disabilities. Some financial assistance available.
» website
Samaritan Place
684-1880
3009 Lakebrook Boulevard, 37909
Open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. For ambulatory adults age 55+ with mental, physical, or memory impairments, including Alzheimer’s. Scholarships available for qualifying low-income families.
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