The Importance of Adult Day Programs 

Adult day programs are community-based services designed to support older adults and individuals with disabilities during daytime hours. They provide a safe, welcoming environment where participants engage in social, recreational, and therapeutic activities tailored to their specific needs.  

These programs help reduce social isolation and encourage meaningful engagement. Participants enjoy mental stimulation through games, arts and crafts, or music, which promote cognitive health. Physical activities, adapted to varying abilities, support mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Emotional health is nurtured through companionship and the creation of a caring community. Trained staff prioritize health and safety by providing supervision, conducting regular health checks, and managing medication schedules, helping participants with chronic conditions and reducing health risks. 

Caregivers can also benefit significantly from adult day programs by gaining much-needed respite. This time allows them to rest, work, or manage personal responsibilities, helping to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Additionally, caregivers often receive professional guidance, access to support groups, and educational resources, improving their ability to provide quality care at home. 

Two Sourcewise grantees provide adult day programs are dedicated to providing caregiver respite and support to older adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia:  

• Hearts & Minds Activity Center focuses on individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. They offer a person-centered, culturally sensitive approach that emphasizes dignity and memory care through meaningful activities such as art, music, and pet therapy in a positive environment.
• Live Oak Adult Day Services provides bilingual, specialized dementia care and programs that promote independence and social connection. Their offerings include adaptive exercise, crafts, music, and caregiver support like respite care and education, tailored to the community’s diverse needs. 

Adult day programs play an important role in improving participants’ quality of life and supporting family relationships by providing care for both the individuals and their caregivers.  

For more information about adult day programs available in Santa Clara County, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.