What Happens at Adult Day Care? A Walk Through a Typical Day at SarahCare
3 weeksAdult day care is one of those things that’s hard to picture until you’ve seen it. The name doesn’t do it justice — it doesn’t convey the laughter in the activity room, the friendships that form over card games, or the visible relief on a caregiver’s face when they pick up their parent and find them happy and well-cared-for. Here’s a real walk through a typical day at SarahCare Adult Day Center in Jenkintown.
Morning: Arrival and Breakfast (7:00 – 9:00 AM)
The day begins with arrivals, which come in waves as transportation routes drop participants off. Staff greet each person by name, help with coats and belongings, and get them settled. For participants with dementia, this transition time matters — familiar staff faces and a consistent routine make the morning smooth.
Breakfast is served communally. It’s not cafeteria food — it’s a real hot breakfast, dietitian-approved, with accommodation for dietary needs. The table is social. People talk. Staff sit with participants, not just beside them. It sets the tone for the whole day.
Mid-Morning: Activities and Therapy (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
The mid-morning block is the busiest. On any given day, participants might be rotating through:
- Cognitive stimulation — trivia, word games, memory activities, current events discussion
- Arts and crafts — seasonal projects, painting, collage, and creative sessions that support fine motor skills and self-expression
- Chair exercise — low-impact movement designed by staff to improve strength, flexibility, and balance without risk
- Physical and occupational therapy — for participants with PT/OT orders, licensed therapists provide individual and small-group sessions
- Music — live music visits, group sing-alongs, and music-as-therapy programming
The on-site registered nurse conducts health checks during this window — blood pressure, medication verification, and monitoring for any participants with complex health conditions.
What We See in Practice
The mid-morning activity block is when you most often see participants forget that they didn’t originally want to come. The person who was resistant at the door is the one who doesn’t want to stop the trivia game when lunch is called. The veteran who came in quiet and guarded finds another veteran at the table and starts talking about service, and the conversation goes for an hour. These moments happen every day. They’re the whole point.
Midday: Hot Lunch (12:00 – 1:00 PM)
Lunch is a full hot meal, planned by staff with nutritional balance in mind. Dietary restrictions and preferences are accommodated — diabetic-friendly options, texture-modified meals for participants with swallowing difficulties, and cultural food preferences where possible. The communal lunch table is one of the social highlights of the day.
Afternoon: Entertainment and Personal Care (1:00 – 4:30 PM)
The afternoon schedule rotates among:
- Entertainment and performances — live performers, themed events, movie screenings, holiday celebrations
- Beauty and personal care — nail care, light spa services, and grooming available on scheduled days
- Bathing assistance — provided with full privacy and dignity for participants who need it
- Afternoon outings — periodic trips to local parks, restaurants, and community events
- Intergenerational programming — visits from youth groups, school programs, and community organizations
An afternoon snack is served before departures begin.
Late Afternoon: Departure (4:30 – 6:00 PM)
Transportation routes run from roughly 4:30 PM, with all participants home by 6:00 PM. Family caregivers who pick up directly can come anytime in the departure window. Staff provide a brief verbal handoff — how the day went, anything noteworthy about health or behavior — so families stay informed without needing to call.
For a full overview of the services SarahCare provides, visit our main services page. For information on how Medicaid or VA benefits may cover the cost of care, see our guide: The Complete Guide to Adult Day Care in the Philadelphia Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What time does adult day care start and end?
SarahCare’s program runs 7 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Families can choose shorter schedules based on their needs. |
| What does my parent eat at adult day care?
SarahCare provides a hot breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snack every day. Meals are dietitian-approved and accommodated for dietary restrictions including diabetic diets and texture modifications. |
| Do they do physical therapy at adult day care?
Yes. SarahCare is an adult day health center and provides physical and occupational therapy services for participants with PT/OT orders from their physician. |
| What if my parent doesn’t want to go?
Resistance is normal — and almost always temporary. Most participants who are hesitant at first become enthusiastic regulars within a few weeks. We recommend a trial visit so your loved one can see the center before committing to a schedule. |
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a free tour of SarahCare Adult Day Center in Jenkintown.
Call us: 215-999-1200 or contact us at here.
Written by Shamere Dunswell | Community Relations Manager, SarahCare
Shamere Dunswell is SarahCare’s Community Relations Manager, working directly with participants and families every day at the Jenkintown center and connecting the community to the care resources they need.
