About Us

What are Adult Day Services?
History and MAADS
Mission
Guiding Principles
Who do we serve?
What is the fee for services?
Services Provided



What are Adult Day Services?

Maryland is a leader in adult day services with over 125 licensed centers that are located throughout the State. Services are available for anyone who has the need.

Adult day services are community-based programs that are designed to meet the needs of functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults through an individual plan of care. These structured, comprehensive programs provide a variety of health, social, and other related support services. All member centers within Maryland are licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the local health department.

Adult Day Services centers offer a safe, protective environment for individuals who are unable to remain alone or unable to care for themselves. We give families the peace of mind to continue with their busy lives, while providing the support necessary to keep aging parents, health impaired spouses, or disabled family members in their homes.

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History and MAADS

The first adult day care center in Maryland opened in 1970. Since that single site in 1970, the adult day services industry in Maryland has grown to over 125 licensed adult medical day care centers with at least one center in each county. The adult day services industry in Maryland is very diverse. The providers are non-profit; for profit; and government based. The centers may be free standing or part of a larger organization such as a hospital, long term care facility, or senior citizen apartment building. The centers also vary in size from a licensed capacity of around 20 to over 150. Hours and days of operation also vary. All centers are open at least five days per week and many are open six or seven days per week. Each of these centers are licensed under the same COMAR regulations and receive the same reimbursement under the Maryland Medical Assistance program.

In an effort to develop a unified voice for the growing industry, the Maryland Association for Adult Day Care was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1985. In 1997, the organization changed its name to the Maryland Association of Adult Day Services. Today, MAADS continues to be the primary focal point for all providers within the State.

"I consider Adult Day Services to be one of the most important and underutilized resources for improving the independence and quality of life for persons suffering from physical and emotional frailty."

Peter V. Rabins, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
Co-Author of The 36-Hour Day

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Mission

It is the mission of the Maryland Association of Adult Day Services to provide educational opportunities for its members and promote the development of quality day services in the State of Maryland.

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Guiding Principles

1) To encourage continued enhancement/development of adult day services, by providing education and training.

2) To advocate for the availability of quality day services by monitoring and influencing related public policy.

3) To support the continued development of state-of-the-art service delivery systems, through association work groups.

4) To educate the public about the benefits of adult day services, through continuous public awareness activities.

5) To network with other providers by promoting the utilization of community based services.

6) To support research in adult day services, by encouraging data collection.

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Who do we serve?

Most centers serve individuals with a variety of medical conditions including stroke, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. Other centers specialize in specific populations, i.e. mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental illness or Alzheimer’s disease.

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What is the fee for services?

There are a variety of payment options available. Some insurance, such as Long Term Care Insurance, may cover adult day services. Medical Assistance/Medicaid (Title XIX) pays for those persons aged 16 or older who qualify. Medicaid Waiver for Older Adults will pay for ADS for qualified individuals. The Veterans Administration pays for some services for those individuals who are registered with the VA system and attend a center under contract with the VA. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover adult day services. Fees are based on a daily fee per day of service. Individual centers will discuss their fees and payment options with you.

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Services Provided

Transportation - Transportation between the participant’s residence and the center is provided or arranged. Transportation to and from medical appointments may also be available.

Recreational Therapy - Individual and group activities are designed to meet each participant’s needs and interests. Opportunities to rekindle hobbies, gain friendships and to stimulate intellectual activity are provided. Community outings keep participants in touch with their community and increase feelings of independence.

Nursing - A registered nurse is on staff in each center. The nurse monitors each participant’s health status and provides on-going health education, medical treatments, and supervision or administration of medication. Services are coordinated with personal physicians and other health professionals.

Personal Care - Assistance with mobility, dressing, bathing, toileting, and eating is offered by trained staff. The level of assistance, which can be provided, is determined by each center.

Rehabilitation Therapy - Physical and occupational therapy is available at most centers. Speech therapy is also available in some programs.

Individualized Care Planning - An individualized plan of care is developed for each participant by a team of professionals.

Service Coordination - Program staff work with other agencies and the participant’s family to coordinate services on the behalf of participants.

Counseling - A licensed social worker assists participants and their families with community resource identification and referrals. Caregiver Support Groups are held at many centers.

Nutrition - Nutritious meals, as well as nourishing snacks, are provided on a daily basis. Special diets are available in most centers.

Exercise - Daily exercise is part of the planned activities.

Emergency Services - Staff are trained in first aid and emergency services.

"Thank you for all of your help in getting my mom into the Center. It takes a great burden off of us. She looks forward to her day, while we get some rest. There's been such a change in her. It's like you've given me my mother back."

Adult Day Services Caregiver

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