A Qualitative Study on Differences in Satisfaction with an Adult Day Center Program between Short and Long Term Clients

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the differences in satisfaction with an adult day program between short- and long-term clients. Content analysis of clinical notes and records of 40 clients of a dementia-specific adult day center was conducted. Four themes emerged from clients (N = 15) who had been enrolled for 1 year or less: interest in program, appropriateness of program, adjustment to program, and communication regarding program. Three themes emerged from clients (N = 25) who had been enrolled over a year: assurance, seeking support, and assistance with decision-making beyond or outside of day center, and contentment.

KEYWORDS:

• Adult day center
• qualitative
• satisfaction

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Michael Hall for his helpful feedback on this work. Additionally, we thank the current and past clients of the Louis and Anne Green Memory & Wellness Center who voluntarily shared their lives to further the advancement of science and improve the quality of adult day centers everywhere.