Adult Day Care in Massachusetts

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Adult Day Care in Massachusetts

You want to find out more about Adult Day Care in Massachusetts? You’re in the right place! We will answer some of the most frequently asked questions and provide resources to help you get started in opening a successful Adult Day Care service.

Is there already Adult Day Care in Massachusetts?

No. There are not currently any Adult Day Care facilities in Massachusetts.


Adult Day Health Care in Massachusetts

Licensing for Adult Day Health Care in Massachusetts:

You do not need a license to run an Adult Day Care facility in the state of Massachusetts, yet you need certification from the state.

Staffing Ratio for Adult Day Health Care in Massachusetts:

  • 1:8 Staff-to-member ratio for prevention and health promotion      
  • 1:6 for basic level of care services                      
  • 1:4 for complex level of care services                                                      
  • At least 1:4 for programs specializing in serving participants with dementia

Mutual Resources 

Government Program Payers for Adult Day Care & Adult Day Health Care in Massachusetts

Questions about Adult Day Care?

There's a lot to learn about Adult Day Care and the opportunity that it presents both for entrepreneurs, and for families.  Below are some frequently asked questions, but you are also welcome to learn more by filling out the form on the right.

More Help with Adult Day Care

What is Adult Day Care?

Adult Day Care  (ADC) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) are programs that enable care for elderly or disabled individuals in a group setting. These settings create an environment for the delivery of care, social interaction, meals, activities and in some cases health care services. 

ADC and ADHC are becoming increasingly important because of the growing elderly population in the US (and worldwide) and a corresponding shortage of caregivers. The ability to care for multiple individuals with less staff, combined with the opportunity for social interaction and activities provides benefits to all involved parties.

What is the difference between Adult Day Care (ADC) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)?

The difference between Adult Day Care (ADC) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) is that in an ADC facility, the care is focused on activities and meals. By contrast Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) centers provide medical healthcare services.  

Another important and basically synonymous term is Adult Day Services (ADS). In fact the industry's national organization, NADSA, incorporates this into their full name which is The National Adult Day Services Association.

Lastly, please note that Adult Day Care (ADC) is often used to describe both kinds of care. For this reason we encourage you to study the details of any facility you are considering. 

Why are Adult Day Services (ADS) different in each state?

The two biggest public health insurance programs in the US are Medicare (which provides health insurance ror elderly and disabled individuals) and Medicaid (which provides health and social care services to the poor.  Both of these programs are overseen by the US government's Committee for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

While Medicare is a national program that is administered at the federal level. Medicaid is administered at the state level, giving each state the ability to tailor its services to the needs of its citizens. This is why it's important to know the specific rules and implementation approach chosen by the state. 

How can I find Adult Day Services (as a consumer)

The National Adult Day Services Associate (NASDA), maintains a directory of their member organizations. You can look for a center by clicking here.

They also have a nice guide to choosing a center.

How can I learn more about Adult Day Care

If you need to learn more, consider visiting our Adult Day Care Reference Guide.

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