Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing an Adult Day Care Center
In Wisconsin, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) licenses and regulates adult day care centers (ADCCs). In the ADCCs directory, you can find details about each ADCC.
There's also a Glossary for Assisted Living Directories that helps define complex terms.
What is an adult day care center?
An ADCC is a type of assisted living facility. It offers services to adults for part of the day in a group setting. Adults who use ADCCs may need:
- Extra support.
- Help with health or daily living.
- Looked after or protected.
- The chance to be social.
What services do ADCCs offer?
ADCC program services may include:
- Activities that help meet physical, social, and fun needs.
- Health checks.
- Help to manage behavior.
- Help to take medicine.
- Meals.
- Personal care.
- Supervision.
- Transportation.
You may get services at home, at free standing centers, or at community places. Examples include churches, schools, and senior centers. Most ADCCs offer services during normal business hours, five days a week. Some programs have activities in the evenings or on weekends.
How are ADCCs regulated in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, ADCCs are not licensed. Instead, they can be certified by DQA. ADCCs must be certified if they serve one or more people who get Medicaid funding from their county.
When an ADCC is certified, DQA uses a survey to make sure the ADCC follows standards from Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 105.14. If the ADCC does not follow standards, they may lose certification.
Adult day care center resources
Expand the section that applies to you to view a list of resources. Select a link to learn more.
Along with the directory, these resources can help you learn more about ADCC options. Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) doesn't refer people to specific ADCCs. We do offer many state and national resources, though, that can help you choose.
- Aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) - Learn how ADRCs serve the public and how to contact your local ADRC. ADRCs help with issues that affect older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. Your ADRC makes it easy to learn about options near you and apply for programs and benefits. Their services are free if you live in Wisconsin.
- Assisted Living Facility Trends and Statistics - View data about each type of assisted living facility. Includes who they serve, how many they serve, the number of staff, and more.
- Choosing an Assisted Living Facility, P-60579 - Learn about assisted living facilities and keep track of your options. Includes a checklist and questionnaire to guide you.
- Choosing Care Providers - Know what questions to ask and steps to take when finding a new provider. This source is from the Alzheimer's Association.
- DQA Bureau of Assisted Living brochure, P-00204 (PDF) - Learn about DQA and the Bureau of Assisted Living. See what they regulate and attend an assisted living forum.
- Provider Search - Use the Provider Search tool to find health and residential care providers in Wisconsin. You can filter results to show only certain types of facilities, such as an adult day care center.
- Residential Care Options by County - Access details about residential care options based on where you live. Use a map or county listing to select your county and learn more.
DQA takes routine surveys of assisted living facilities in Wisconsin. The goal is to make sure facilities meet state requirements and offer quality care. Results of surveys are public. These resources relate to the surveys:
- Assisted Living Facility Survey Guide - Learn more about the survey process.
- Bureau of Assisted Living Provider Search Monthly Additions, P-02567 (Excel) - See which assisted living facilities have had survey documents added to the Provider Search in the past month.
- Provider Search - Use the Provider Search tool to find health and residential care providers in Wisconsin. View any survey results from the past three years. If you can't find survey information, email DHSWebmailDQA@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
These resources help you understand laws that protect you and your care.
- Client Rights Office - Find out how to get advice about your rights from a team of experts. This office helps people who get services for a disability, mental health, or substance use. They'll tell you more about your rights under the law, Wis. Stat. §§ 51.30 and 51.61, and what they mean.
- Complaints or Problems with Your Health Care - Find out how to file a complaint about your health care. Includes issues with health and residential care facilities, providers, insurance, and medical bills.
- End-of-Life Planning - Learn about how to plan for the end of life. Includes details on advance directives, do-not-resuscitate orders, privacy rights, and more.
- Board on Aging & Long Term Care - Work with this group to learn more about your rights, health care systems, and long-term care. Their job is to advocate for your interests. They have several programs that can help you:
These resources are for those who help an older adult or person with a disability.
- Assisted Living - Find information on topics that help you advocate for quality care. This resource is from The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
- Caregiving - Learn how to care for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia. Find resources and tips for caregivers from the Alzheimer's Association.