Service consumption patterns over time among adult day care program participants

A study of 59 adult day care (ADC) programs funded by area agencies on aging in Pennsylvania provides data which profiles the classic package of ADC services utilized by elder participants and traces the relationship between formal service consumption and the helping behaviors of family caregivers. Elder clients rejected 1 or more services offered by ADC staff 59% of the time. Consumption of homemaking, transportation, and counseling services escalated over time although total formal services used remained minimal. Family helpers performed both a greater range and intensity of support functions as compared to ADC programs (p less than .001). Program strategies and future research directions are suggested.