It’s Adult Day Services Week: Learn the Benefits

She awakes and has a cup of coffee. The woman sits in front of the television and watches game shows and old comedy reruns until it’s time to check for the mail – if she remembers. This grandmother watches several more hours of television programs until she makes a cup of soup and gets ready for bed. The next day and those that follow, she does it all over again. Does this sound like someone you know?

Adult day services is an option that gives seniors a better quality of life by helping to alleviate their loneliness and improve physical and mental health in a safe and secure environment. Plus, it offers their caregivers a break.

September 21-27, 2025 is National Adult Day Services Week, an annual observance that aims to raise awareness of the availability, accessibility and importance of adult day services.

“For people who cannot be alone for long periods of time due to health or cognitive issues, adult day services offer social interaction, physical activity, hygiene assistance and mental stimulation while enabling them to enjoy independence at home,” explained Danielle Heiberger a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and Adult Day Program Coordinator at Penn Highlands Adult Day Center.

Most adult day service programs are designed for seniors with dementia or other age-related physical or cognitive limitations that preclude them from living an independent life without the assistance of others. These services provide a comfortable environment that is supervised by professionals. They are structured to give seniors stimulating activities and opportunities to socialize, while ensuring their medical and personal care needs are met, such as assistance with using the restroom, eating meals and other daily activities.

“Socialization plays a key role in the overall health of seniors,” said Ms. Heiberger. “Interaction with others can help decrease anxiety and stress, which can be beneficial for cardiovascular and immune health. It can also reduce the risk for depression which can increase the risk of chronic illness and worsen disabilities.”

Adult day services are generally activity-based and provide planned programs to keep participants socially stimulated, mentally engaged and physically active. These activities may include cards and board games, puzzles, special guests, music, arts and crafts, and even gardening or baking.

The types of services and the level of care varies between adult day service programs. Some are focused primarily on social and recreational opportunities while others offer more comprehensive medical and therapeutic services, such as physical, occupational or speech therapies. There are also programs centered on specific conditions, such as dementia or a disability.

Another benefit of adult day services is that it provides time for caregivers to have some respite. They can go to work, attend their own medical appointments, shop, or simply take time to rest knowing that their loved one is being well cared for in a supervised and secure environment.

Penn Highlands Adult Day Center, in St. Marys, offers therapeutic activities and exercise, socialization, daily nutritious meals and snacks, medication administration, assistance with bathing, nursing services (such as lab work and vitals monitoring), podiatry care, beautician services, and so much more. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/adultday or to schedule a tour, call 814-781-8253.