Ala. Admin. Code r. 410-2-4-.06

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 410-2-4-.06 - Adult Day Care Programs

(1) Definition. Adult day care programs may be identified as structured, comprehensive programs designed to offer lower cost alternatives to institutionalization for newly or chronically disabled adults who cannot stay alone during the day, but who do not need 24-hour inpatient care. Designed to promote maximum independence, participants usually attend on a scheduled basis. Services may include nursing, counseling, social services, restorative services, medical and health care monitoring, exercise sessions, field trips, recreational activities, physical, occupational and speech therapies, medication administration, well balanced meals, and transportation to and from the facility. Adult day care can provide the respite family members require to sustain healthy relationships while caring for their elderly loved one at home. Adult day care programs provide services to one or more adults not related by blood or marriage to the owner and/or administrator.

(2) Analysis of Existing Adult Day Care Programs. Adult day care programs are not currently licensed by any department of the state of Alabama. As a consequence, it is extremely difficult to ascertain the actual number of such programs within Alabama. However, Adult Day Care Centers are approved through the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Department of Senior Services and the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The Alabama Department of Mental Health also uses adult day care.

(3) Adult Day Care Programs as Alternatives to Nursing Home Admission

(a) Efforts should be made to maintain an optimum quality of life for individuals who require extended or long-term care. The types and amounts of services needed for these individuals vary. In order to enhance opportunities for individuals needing extended or long-term care services, the needs of these individuals should be evaluated prior to admission to any extended care or long-term care program, including nursing homes, assisted living homes, and adult day care programs.

(b) In an effort to encourage the development and utilization of alternatives to nursing home and assisted living (domiciliary) care, adult day care programs and services for the elderly should be utilized to the greatest extent possible. It is the intent to provide for the establishment of additional adult day care programs in order that:

(i) the elderly will be given the opportunity to remain with their families and in their communities rather than being placed in nursing homes or state institutions;

(ii) families, particularly those with one or more members working outside of the home, may keep their elderly parents and relatives with them instead of having to place them in impersonal institutions; and

(iii) the state of Alabama can deal more effectively and economically with the needs of its elderly citizens.

(4) Financing. Historically, all adult day care programs have been private pay with some assistance coming from public and community sources.

(5) Availability. Adult day care programs are concentrated in the more populated counties. Many counties have no adult day care programs.

(6) Continuity

(a) Discussion. Adult day care programs should provide care appropriate to the needs of their participants. To ensure that comprehensive services are available and that certain participants receive a proper level of care, adult day care programs should provide, or should have agreements with other health care providers to provide, a broad range of care. When providing these services, transportation and support services for participants should be provided as necessary.

(b) Self-Help Program. Adult day care program providers should be encouraged to provide a level of care that will help maintain and improve function and encourage participants to be as independent as they can for as long as possible before the condition of such participants requires a change to a more dependent level of care.

(7) Quality. Quality care is an obligation of all adult day care programs operating in Alabama. Each program should comply with applicable state and local building regulations, and zoning, fire, and health codes and ordinances. In addition, each program must comply with all requirements of its funding sources, including requirements with respect to a Medicaid Waiver, if applicable.

(8) Promotion of Adult Day Care Programs

(a) The alternate special affordable care offered by adult day care programs should be publicized by responsible agencies using some or all of the following:

1. Public Service Announcements

2. Physicians (provide literature)

3. Hospitals (discharge planners)

4. Nursing Homes

5. The Alabama Commission on Aging

6. The American Association of Retired Persons

7. Community Service Agencies/Projects

8. Religious Organizations

9. The Alabama Department of Human Resources

10. The Alabama Department of Senior Services

Ala. Admin. Code r. 410-2-4-.06

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIII, Issue No. 03, December 31, 2014, eff. 1/6/2015.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVIII, Issue No. 06, March 31, 2020, eff. 5/15/2020.

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLII, Issue No. 07, April 30, 2024, eff. 6/14/2024.

Author: Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC)

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-21-260(4).