Quick answer
Adult day care is a supervised daytime program for older adults, usually on weekdays, with meals, activities and help with personal care. Some centers offer nursing, therapy or dementia programs. In the 2025 CareScout survey, the median daily rate for adult day health care was $200 in Kansas and $95 in Missouri (U.S.: $95). Medicaid waivers in both states and VA benefits may help pay. (800) 614-8388 for help finding a center.
What a day looks like
- Drop-off in the morning, often with transportation available.
- Meals and snacks, exercise, music, games and outings.
- Help with toileting, eating and medications, depending on the center.
- Nursing checks or therapy at adult day health centers.
- Pick-up in the late afternoon.
Who it helps
- A parent who is lonely or isolated at home.
- A parent with dementia who shouldn't be alone during the day.
- Family caregivers who work or need a break.
2025 costs
| Care | Kansas | Missouri | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home care, 44 hrs a week | $6,435 | $6,292 | $6,673 |
| Adult day, 5 days a week | $4,333 | $2,058 | $2,058 |
| Assisted living, 1 bedroom | $5,975 | $5,400 | $6,200 |
| Nursing home, shared room | $8,669 | $6,741 | $9,581 |
| Nursing home, private room | $9,064 | $7,604 | $10,798 |
Medians, not quotes: half of providers charge more and half charge less. Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025.
The daily rate is the published median for adult day health care. Monthly figures assume 5 days a week. CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025.
Ways to pay
- Private pay, often by the day.
- Medicaid waivers: Kansas's Frail Elderly waiver and Missouri's Aged and Disabled waiver include adult day care for people who qualify.
- VA: adult day health care is one of the VA's long-term care services for eligible veterans. See veterans' care benefits.
- Long-term care insurance may cover it; check the policy.
- Medicare doesn't pay for adult day care.
How to choose a center
- Visit during program hours and watch how staff speak to participants.
- Ask about staff training, ratios and dementia experience.
- Ask what personal care and nursing they provide.
- Check transportation, hours and holiday closures.
- Ask for the daily rate in writing and what's extra.
Want help finding a center?
We'll help you find adult day programs and other support near you. Free.
Questions families ask
How much does adult day care cost?
The 2025 median daily rate for adult day health care was $200 in Kansas and $95 in Missouri.
Does Medicare pay for adult day care?
No. Medicaid waivers, VA benefits or long-term care insurance may help.
Is adult day care good for people with dementia?
Many centers serve people with dementia and offer structured programs. Ask about their experience and security.
How many days a week can my parent go?
Most centers let you choose from one to five weekdays.
Sources
- CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, Median Cost Data Tables (survey July to November 2025; median cost data tables, published March 2026)
- VA.gov: Long-term care and geriatrics
- KDADS: Frail Elderly (FE) waiver
- Missouri DHSS: Apply for Home and Community-Based Services, 1-866-835-3505
- Alzheimer's Association: Caregiving