Get to Know Minnesota’s Adult Day Services Field

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Roni Falck

As we celebrate National Adult Day Services Week, we look at the ways in which the field has evolved since President Jimmy Carter first proclaimed National Adult Day Services Week in 1983.

Here are five facts about Minnesota’s Adult Day Services field that may surprise you:

1. The number of licensed Adult Day Programs in Minnesota has grown nearly 100% since 2007, with significant growth in providers serving culturally specific communities.
2. Since the onset of COVID-19, ADS providers may now serve clients remotely through Alternative Adult Day Services.
3. Participation in Adult Day Services has been proven to reduce hospital readmissions.
4. Research has shown that the more an individual attends an Adult Day Program, the longer they are able to remain at home.
5. Adult Day Services counter the social isolation and loneliness experienced by older adults and their family caregivers.

Bonus fact (we couldn’t stop at 5):  Adult Day Providers work every day to help participants maintain their identity and independence, while offering much needed respite to family caregivers. Without services, participants experience loss of strength, mobility and cognition; and experience increased depression, anxiety and loneliness.

Get to know the Adult Day Programs in your community – you will find engaged participants and supported family caregivers. For more information about Adult Day Services, contact Roni Falck at rfalck@leadingagemn.org.