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Adult Day Services

Service Information

Mission:  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) partners with individual with intellectual disabilities and their families to plan for a good life that focuses on living and participating in their communities. Adult day facilitates experiences with the community while assisting individuals to remain in the community, enabling families and other caregivers to continue to care for their loved ones at home

Philosophy:  Oklahoma is dedicated to improving the well-being and independence of individuals receiving services within the state. Adult day services does this meeting the physical , social, and emotional needs of older adults and those individuals with significant disabilities.

Person-Centered approach: With this goal in mind, DDS takes a person-centered approach to adult day programs, believing that each person is different, and that their services should center on that person's wants, needs, and desires when in pursuit of their goals.   

Services provided

Unfortunately, funds are not currently available to serve every Oklahoman in need of services on our waiver program. There are services available to those on the waiting list.  State funds have been made available to support individuals through our partners in Aging Services.    

If you are a current waiver recipient and you are interested in Adult day services, contact your case manager.  They are available to walk you through the process of identifying and provider and begin services.

If you are currently on the waiting list, you can begin by visiting providers in your area.  A list of providers is available through Aging services. 

Yes.  If at any time you would like to change your provider, you are welcome to do so.  If you are a waiver recipient, please be sure and contact your case manager to inform them that a change is needed. On the waiting list, please communicate with your current provider and let them know.

Contact our vocational team at DDS.Vocational@okdhs.org 

Provider Enrollment Trainings are conducted quarterly.

Adult Day Services (or Adult Day Care) are planned programs of therapeutic, social and health services provided in a safe, supportive and professional setting for a part of the day. They are designed for older adults and/or adults with chronic medical conditions, cognitive impairments, or developmental disabilities who cannot be safely left alone during the day.

What are the main goals of Adult Day services?

  • Provide a safe, engaging, and supervised environment for participants.
  • Offer social stimulation and meaningful activities to help maintain or improve participants' physical and mental function.
  • Give caregivers a much-needed break (respite) so they can work, attend to personal needs, or simply rest, which helps to delay institutionalization of the loved one.
  • Provide opportunities for community involvement.

  • Those individuals who may not benefit from DDS employment services.
  • Those who need assistance or supervision due to a cognitive impairment or physical limitations.
  • Those who need help managing their own daily activities or medications.
  • Individuals living with a caregiver who works outside the home or needs regular respite.

  • Social and Therapeutic Activities: Arts and crafts, music, gentle exercise, games (e.g., bingo, trivia), discussion groups.
  • Nutrition: Nutritious meals and snacks, often accommodating special diets.
  • Personal Care: Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like eating, toileting, and grooming.
  • Health Services: Medication management/reminders, blood pressure checks, and monitoring of general health status.

Most centers operate during standard daytime hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM), Monday through Friday. Some centers may offer extended hours or weekend services; you must check with the specific center.

No. Attendance is flexible. Many participants attend 2-5 days per week, based on their individual needs and the caregiver's schedule.

Ratios are often regulated by the state. In Oklahoma, adult day must provide a minimum ratio, or 1 to 8, but may provide a smaller ratio based on the needs of the participants.

Yes, several options may help cover the cost. Most commonly, DDS funds adult day services as part of traditional waiver services by identifying and justifying adult day as part of the individual’s plan.

  • Assess Needs: Determine the specific needs of the participant and the caregiver (e.g., medical care, social activities, transportation, hours).
  • CM help: Contact your case manager for assistance with identifying adult day providers in your area.
  • Visit: Schedule visits to potential centers.
  • Ask Questions: Use a checklist to compare facilities.
    • Example Q’s to consider: Is the center licensed, certified, or accredited? What is the staff-to-participant ratio? How are emergency situations handled? What activities are offered; are they tailored to the participants’ abilities? Are meals and snacks provided/are special diets accommodated? What is your policy on administering/assisting with medications? What conditions or behavioral issues do you accept/not accept? What is the total fee, and what exactly is included?

Please feel free to email DDS.Vocational@okdhs.org

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