Explore the Different Models of Adult Day Services in California
Listen to a brief podcast exploring the two main models of Adult Day Services in California:
- The medical model, offered by Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) / Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) centers
- The non-medical model, provided by Adult Day Programs (ADP)
What Are Adult Day Services?
Watch our overview video for a closer look!
Adult Day Services programs provide a safe, supportive, and engaging alternative to nursing home care for individuals who don’t require 24-hour skilled nursing. These programs are designed to:
- Keep participants mentally and physically active
- Reduce social isolation
- Improve overall health and wellness
- Help prevent loss of independence
Participants typically attend a local center two to five days a week, depending on their individual needs. Most programs offer transportation or help coordinate it. Program hours usually range from four to eight hours per day, with some centers offering extended hours to support working caregivers.
Why It Matters
Adult Day Services play a vital role in helping people live independently for as long as possible—while also supporting the well-being of caregivers. Whether you’re seeking care for a loved one or exploring support for yourself, these programs offer a flexible, person-centered solution.
How Do Adult Day Services Work?
Most participants attend a local program 2 to 5 days per week, depending on personal needs.
Hours: Typically 4 to 8 hours per day, with extended options at some locations
Transportation: Most programs offer transportation or help arrange it
Caregiver Support: Many centers host support groups and training sessions
What Services Are Provided?
Services vary by center, but may include:
- Therapeutic activities like art, music, and games
- Health monitoring and support from trained staff
- Meals and nutrition counseling
- Access to nursing care, physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Social work services and case management
- Support for caregivers, including guidance and referrals
Some programs specialize in serving particular populations—such as:
Adults with Alzheimer’s or other dementias
Younger adults with brain injuries or developmental disabilities
Participants from specific cultural or language groups
Why Choose Adult Day Services?
Adult Day Services offer a meaningful alternative to institutional care. They help people live at home longer, stay engaged with their community, and reduce stress for family caregivers.
Whether you need full-day supervision or part-time support, California’s Adult Day Services network offers options to fit a wide variety of needs.
Want to Learn More?
Use our Find a Center tool to locate an Adult Day Services provider near you.
Have questions? Contact CAADS — we're here to help.
California's licensed adult day services centers may operate as one or more program types.
- Types of Adult Day Services in California (a side-by-side overview, updated June 2013)
- Find A Center in Membership with CAADS
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)
Licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
ADHC centers offer a medical model of care through an outpatient day program for older persons and adults with chronic medical, cognitive, or mental health conditions and/or disabilities who are at risk of needing institutional care.
A coordinated team of licensed professionals, including nurses, social workers, and physical, speech, and occupational therapists, focus on medical, preventive, and social care to improve health outcomes for high-cost / high-risk patients. Also provided are activities, personal care, hot meals, nutritional counseling, and transportation to and from the center. The majority of participants are Medi-Cal beneficiaries. To serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries, an ADHC must be certified by the California Department of Aging as a Community Based Adult Services (CBAS).
Effective April 1, 2012, Medi-Cal beneficiaries are subject to the state's eligibility criteria for Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) and must be in Medi-Cal managed care where available and required.
Community Based Adult Services (CBAS)
Licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as an ADHC facility
Certified by the California Department of Aging (CDA) as a CBAS provider serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries
CBAS centers are licensed Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) facilities approved by the state to provide a medical model of care to Medi-Cal beneficiaries (individuals who qualify based on income).
While CBAS services are the same as described under Adult Day Health Care (above), Medi-Cal beneficiaries must meet strict CBAS eligibility requirements, and, with few exceptions, must enroll in a Medi-Cal managed care plan or county-organized health system, if one exists in the beneficiary's county of residence.
Adult Day Program (ADP)
Licensed by California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division
ADP centers offer a non-medical model of care through a day-time program for elderly and younger adults with a focus on protective supervision by trained aides, structured activities, health monitoring, meals, out-of-home respite, and support for the caregiver, in a day care setting, on less than a 24-hour basis.
Adult Day Vendorized Program (ADVP)
Programs in day center settings are licensed by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division
Programs-Without-Walls designated by Regional Centers do not require licensure
California has 21 Regional Centers with more than 40 offices located throughout the state that serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Regional centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
An Adult Day Vendorized Program exclusively serves Regional Center clients in either a day center setting or in a community learning or work environment commonly known as Programs-Without-Walls.
Alzheimer's Day Care Resource Center (ADCRC) Designation
A specialty designation by the state for a licensed ADP and/ or ADHC / CBAS center
ADCRC designation was granted to licensed ADP or ADHC / CBAS centers offering specialized Alzheimer's care for moderate to late-stage Alzheimer's patients or persons with similar conditions. A highly trained team applies a philosophy of care emphasizing dignity and respect while fostering optimal independence according to each patient's level of functioning. Also provided are caregiver respite and support.
ADCRC designation by the State of California was tied to start-up grants; those grants are currently not available. However, recent 2021 legislation has opened the door to future possibilities. Stay tuned for more to come as the return of ADCRCs develops.
