| Thank you for your interest in adult day service (ADS).
Adult day services are community-based group programs 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 in a protective setting during any part of a day, but less than 24-hour care. Adult day centers generally operate programs during normal business hours five days a week. Some programs offer services in the evenings and on weekends. (NADSA)
Establishing and successfully operating an adult day program is not an easy task. Luckily many have gone before you and a number of excellent resources are available to you as you begin this endeavor.
Some important first steps are:
1. Recognize that a “good heart” and love of the elderly is NOT ENOUGH. You must be equipped to operate a business.
- Visit the State of Illinois Business Portal website http://business.illinois.gov for information. This site offers access to a Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Business, A Guide for Organizing a Not-for-Profit Corporation, A Small Business Start-up Kit and a search engine to locate forms needed to establish a business in Illinois. The website of the Minnesota Council for Non Profits also has valuable tools. Click here http://www.mncn.org/ then select "how to start a nonprofit"
- In Illinois there is no state-wide licensing process for Adult Day Service, but providers may seek contracts for reimbursement from The Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), The Illinois Department of Human Services – Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) or the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Each entity has its own application process, requirements and expectations.
IDOA is the primary third party payer.
- Information about the application process is on the IDOA website. Click here to view requirements and the application with instructions.
- Familiarize yourself with any local and county building, zoning or fire/safety codes that may apply to adult day service operations within the jurisdiction of your proposed center. Applicable codes are referenced in IDOA administrative code Section 240.1550 (b) (3) (A).
2. Become familiar with standards for providing quality adult day service.
- Visit www.nadsa.org The Publications and Resources tab on this site features the manual Adult Day Services Standards and Guidelines for Adult Day Services. This edition provides a comprehensive outline of “best practices” in all areas of facility operations and service delivery. Emphasis is placed on the importance of target population identification and assessment, administration, organizational structure, individualized plans of care, direct service provision, staffing requirements, facility design and program evaluation. Click here to access NADSA's Opening an ADS center link.
- The administrative codes that apply to ADS can be found on the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) website. Only sites with an IDOA contract are required to comply with these standards but they serve as a guide for new providers
3. Remember that in addition to the business aspects of the program, there are clinical skills needed to serve the frail elderly and clients with dementia.
- Training sessions offered by the Illinois Adult Day Service Association are published on this website. The Management Certificate Training (MCT) addresses all aspects of operating a center.
Leave your contact information on the Association website and you will be notified of training events.
- Seek out training opportunities in your community such as the Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care offered by the Professional Training Institute of the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
5. Join the Illinois Adult Day Service Association (IADSA). The Association sponsors training events and as a member you become part of a network of providers with experience to share. Visit www.iadsa.com for details.
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