Learn About Adult Day Services In Your Community

bentsens@michigan.gov 

For Immediate Release:  September 19, 2011

Area Agencies on Aging can assist families in navigating how to get the help they need. For more adult day service resources, please contact OSA at (517) 373-8230 or

With the growth of the aging population, adult day programs have become highly valued partners in community-based long term care supports and services. With funding through Michigan's aging network, 1,500 people attended an adult day service, engaging in 500,000 hours of activity, just last year.

"Caregivers often talk about the peace of mind they have knowing their loved one is being cared for in a safe environment while they're at work or tending to daily tasks" said Kari Sederburg, OSA Director. "Daughters, spouses, sons, and parents - those unsung heroes who regularly provide the vast majority of informal, unpaid care to family members and loved ones - greatly appreciate adult day services."

As importantly, caregivers benefit from this program. There are 3.9 million people age 45 and older in Michigan, many of whom are caregivers. With adult day services, caregivers are able to remain in the workforce, get relief from caregiver duties, and take advantage of services to help them in their caregiver role, such as educational programs and support groups.

Adult day programs provide health, social, recreational, and therapeutic activities in a supportive group environment, serving as a resource in helping people "age in place" in a way that protects their independence. Participants are engaged in a variety of activities away from home to enhance their well-being during the day, and then return home to familiar surroundings.

LANSING - The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) encourages local communities to join it in National Adult Day Services Week Sept. 18-24. This celebration is an opportunity to raise awareness of adult day programs that help older individuals and those with disabilities remain in their own homes. www.michigan.gov/miseniors.

 # # #

The Office of Services to the Aging is an agency of the State of Michigan whose mission is to provide leadership, innovation, advocacy, and policy on behalf of Michigan's older adults and their caregivers. For more information contact the Office of Services to the Aging at (517) 373-8230 or visit www.michigan.gov/miseniors.