Adult Day Care in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Program for Your Loved One

Adult day care in Atlanta, Georgia can be a crucial support for families caring for an aging parent, spouse, or adult with disabilities. These programs offer daytime supervision, health monitoring, social activities, and a safe place to be while caregivers work, run errands, or simply rest.

This guide explains how adult day care in Atlanta works, what types of programs exist, how they’re regulated and paid for, and where to start your search locally.

What Is Adult Day Care?

Adult day care (often called adult day services or adult day health) is a structured program that provides:

• Supervision and safety during the day
• Social and recreational activities
• Basic health monitoring and personal care
• Support for people with memory loss, mobility issues, or chronic conditions

Most Atlanta programs operate Monday–Friday, roughly during business hours, though some offer extended or Saturday hours.

Adult day care is designed to:

• Help adults stay in their homes longer
• Reduce isolation and boredom
• Give family caregivers reliable respite
• Support medical needs without full-time nursing home care

Types of Adult Day Care Programs in Atlanta

In the Atlanta area, you’ll typically see three main types:

1. Social Adult Day Care

Focus: Socialization, activities, and basic supervision

Common features:

• Group activities (games, music, arts, gentle exercise)
• Snacks and a midday meal
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like toileting or walking
• Transportation options for pick-up and drop-off in some cases

Best for: Adults who are generally medically stable but need supervision, routine, and interaction.

2. Adult Day Health (Medical Model)

Focus: Health and medical support along with activities

Common features:

• On-site nursing or health professionals
• Medication administration or reminders
• Monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and other conditions
• Support for people with dementia, stroke history, or complex health needs
• Therapy services (physical, occupational, or speech) in some centers

Best for: Adults with more complex medical needs who still don’t need 24/7 nursing home care.

3. Specialized Memory or Dementia Day Programs

Focus: Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias

Common features:

• Secured or closely monitored environment
• Staff trained in dementia behaviors and communication
• Memory-supportive activities and routines
• Extra structure and redirection to prevent wandering or agitation

Best for: People in early to mid-stage dementia who benefit from stimulation but need high levels of supervision.

How Adult Day Care Is Regulated in Georgia

Adult day care in Atlanta is regulated at the state level.

Georgia Licensing and Oversight

In Georgia, many centers fall under:

• Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
  • Main office: 2 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone: (404) 656-4507

DCH oversees licensure for adult day centers that provide personal care or health services. Requirements typically include:

• Background checks for staff
• Safety and building standards
• Infection control and emergency procedures
• Staff training and ongoing education

Some church- or community-based programs that provide only social activities may operate under different rules, but medical-model day health centers and those providing personal care are generally licensed.

You can ask any program in Atlanta:

• “Are you licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health?”
• “Under what category are you licensed?”

Who Uses Adult Day Care in Atlanta?

Families turn to adult day care for many reasons. Common situations in Atlanta include:

• An older parent living in Buckhead, Decatur, or Southwest Atlanta who shouldn’t stay home alone all day
• A spouse with early dementia in Morningside or East Atlanta who needs structure and supervision during work hours
• An adult with disabilities living with family in South Fulton, College Park, or Clayton County who benefits from daily programs
• A senior recently discharged from Grady, Emory, or Piedmont who needs rehab support but not 24-hour care

Adult day care can support:

• Seniors with mobility limitations
• People with memory loss or confusion
• Adults who feel isolated and need social contact
• Caregivers experiencing burnout or needing reliable respite

Typical Services Offered by Atlanta Adult Day Care Centers

Programs differ, but many Atlanta centers offer a mix of:

Daily Care and Supervision

• Safe, supervised environment
• Assistance with walking, transferring, or using mobility aids
• Help with bathing, grooming, or toileting (in some centers)

Health and Wellness

• Health monitoring (weight, blood pressure, blood sugar)
• Medication administration or reminders (if licensed to do so)
• Coordination with the person’s doctors or home health providers

Meals and Nutrition

• At least one hot meal, often lunch
• Snacks and beverages
• Attention to diabetic, low-sodium, or texture-modified diets when possible

Activities and Engagement

• Group exercise or chair yoga
• Music, arts and crafts, and games
• Reminiscence groups and discussions
• Culturally responsive programming reflecting Atlanta’s diversity
• Outdoor time when weather allows

Family and Caregiver Support

• Progress reports or notes on mood and behavior
• Guidance on community resources
• Support groups in some locations

What Does Adult Day Care Cost in Atlanta?

Costs vary by:

• Type of program (social vs. health/medical)
• Hours attended per day
• Added services (transportation, therapy, etc.)

Typical patterns in Atlanta:

• Daily rates are often lower than home health or assisted living on a per-day basis.
• Some centers offer half-day options at a lower rate.
• Private pay rates differ widely between neighborhoods and types of centers.

Because pricing changes over time, it’s best to:

1. Call several local centers and ask for a current rate sheet.
2. Ask whether they offer sliding-scale fees or scholarships.
3. Confirm what is included in the rate (meals, transportation, personal care, therapies).

How to Pay for Adult Day Care in Atlanta

Families in Atlanta typically piece together funding from several sources:

1. Private Pay

Many people pay out-of-pocket using:

• Savings or retirement funds
• Family contributions
• Reverse mortgage or other financial tools (handled independently)

This is often the most flexible option but may not be affordable for everyone.

2. Medicaid and Waiver Programs

Georgia Medicaid may help pay for adult day services for those who qualify financially and medically. Key programs include:

CCSP (Community Care Services Program) & SOURCE

These Georgia Medicaid waiver programs may cover:

• Adult day health services
• Personal care at home
• Other community-based supports

To explore eligibility in Atlanta:

• Georgia Division of Aging Services / Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
  • Statewide toll-free number: 1-866-552-4464 (press “2” for ADRC)

You can ask for an assessment to see if the person may qualify for Medicaid waiver services, including adult day care.

3. Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans in the Atlanta VA Health Care System may have access to adult day health care programs funded in part by the Department of Veterans Affairs, depending on eligibility and clinical need.

• Atlanta VA Medical Center (Atlanta VA Health Care System)
  • 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033
  • Main phone: (404) 321-6111

Ask about Adult Day Health Care and community-based services for enrolled veterans.

4. Long-Term Care Insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies cover adult day services when certain conditions are met. Families in Atlanta should:

• Review the policy for “adult day care” or “adult day health” language
• Call the insurer to confirm coverage, daily limits, and required documentation

5. Local Assistance and Grants

At times, local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, or county aging programs may offer:

• Partial scholarships
• Short-term assistance while applying for Medicaid
• Reduced fees for low-income participants

These options change over time, so it’s worth asking each center what financial help they know about locally.

Where to Start: Key Atlanta and Georgia Resources

Here are some reliable starting points for families in metro Atlanta.

Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) – Aging & Independence Services

ARC coordinates aging services for the 10-county Atlanta region and can help you locate adult day programs.

• Atlanta Regional Commission – Aging & Independence Services
  • 229 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone: (404) 463-3100
  • Aging & Disability Resource Connection (local line): often accessed through ARC’s main number

Ask for help locating adult day care centers near your ZIP code.

Georgia Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)

The ADRC is a statewide “no wrong door” system to connect you with services.

• Georgia ADRC
  • Statewide number: 1-866-552-4464 (press “2”)

Tell them you are in Atlanta and looking for adult day care or adult day health. They can:

• Identify nearby programs
• Explain Medicaid waiver options
• Refer you for an assessment if needed

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

For questions about licensing or complaints regarding adult day centers:

• Georgia Department of Community Health
  • 2 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone: (404) 656-4507

You can ask:

• Whether a specific adult day center is licensed
• How to file a complaint or concern

What to Look For When Choosing an Adult Day Care in Atlanta

When comparing programs around Atlanta—whether in Midtown, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, or South Atlanta—a structured approach can help.

Key Questions to Ask

• Licensing & Credentials

  • Are you licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health?
  • What type of program is this (social, adult day health, dementia-specific)?
  • What training do staff receive in dementia care, first aid, and emergencies?

• Services & Care

  • Do you provide help with toileting, transfers, and mobility?
  • Can you manage medications, diabetes, or oxygen if needed?
  • What is your protocol for medical emergencies?

• Activities & Culture

  • What does a typical day’s schedule look like?
  • How do you incorporate cultural, religious, or language preferences common in Atlanta?
  • How do you engage people who are quiet, withdrawn, or anxious?

• Meals & Transportation

  • Are meals provided, and can you accommodate special diets?
  • Do you offer transportation in specific Atlanta neighborhoods or counties?
  • Is transportation included in the cost or billed separately?

• Communication & Cost

  • How do you update families about health or behavior changes?
  • What is your daily or hourly rate?
  • Are there extra fees I should know about (registration, activities, therapy)?

On-Site Visit Checklist ✅

When you tour a center in person:

• First impressions

  • Is the space clean, free of strong odors, and well maintained?
  • Do staff greet participants by name and speak respectfully?

• Safety

  • Are exits monitored, especially in memory care programs?
  • Are hallways clear, bathrooms accessible, and floors non-slippery?

• Staffing

  • Does staff seem rushed, or do they have time to interact calmly?
  • How many participants are here compared with the number of staff?

• Participants

  • Do participants seem engaged, relaxed, and included?
  • Are activities appropriate to different levels of ability?

• Location and commute

  • Is the center realistically reachable from your home in metro Atlanta traffic?
  • If you’re relying on MARTA, paratransit, or center transportation, does it fit your schedule?

Sample Comparison Snapshot

Use a simple table like this when comparing Atlanta programs:

Filling this out after visiting or calling makes differences easier to see.

Planning Logistics in Atlanta

Transportation Options

Beyond center-provided transportation, Atlanta families may look at:

• MARTA Mobility: For those eligible for paratransit services within MARTA’s service area.
• County-based senior transportation programs coordinated through the Atlanta Regional Commission or local senior centers.

Ask the adult day center which transportation options are most commonly used by their participants.

Integrating Adult Day Care with Other Services

Many families in Atlanta combine adult day services with:

• In-home care in the early morning, evening, or weekends
• Home health for nursing or therapy after a hospital stay
• Senior centers or faith-based groups on days not attending day care

This mix can stretch limited funds while covering more hours of support.

When Is It Time to Consider Adult Day Care?

For many Atlanta caregivers, the tipping point is when:

• A loved one can no longer stay home safely alone
• Wandering, confusion, or falls become more frequent
• Caregiving is interfering with work or harming the caregiver’s health
• Isolation or depression seem to be increasing

Starting with 1–3 days a week in an adult day program is common. It allows the participant time to adjust and gives the caregiver meaningful relief without an abrupt change.

If you’re unsure, you can:

• Call the Georgia ADRC (1-866-552-4464, press “2”)
• Contact the Atlanta Regional Commission – Aging & Independence Services at (404) 463-3100
• Ask to talk with an options counselor about whether adult day care might fit your situation

By understanding how adult day care in Atlanta works—how it’s regulated, what it costs, and how to choose a center—you can take concrete next steps: make a few calls, schedule tours, and explore financial help. For many families in the city and across metro Atlanta, the right adult day program becomes a key part of staying safely at home while preserving quality of life for both the participant and the caregiver.