Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for A.R.W. Adult Day Center

1.) What inspired you to start A.R.W. Adult Day Center, and what do you hope to achieve with it?

Answer: I cared for my father alongside my siblings 24/7. We struggled to find care that met his needs, and as a result, we experienced burnout. We wanted him to have a social life beyond the home, but the facilities we found didn’t meet our standards. After he passed in 2014, I decided to open an adult day center to serve both senior citizens and their caregivers. The goal is to enhance their independence and help them stay in their homes longer, avoiding premature placement in long-term care.

2.) What services do you plan to offer at A.R.W. Adult Day Center?

Answer: We will provide a variety of activities throughout the day, including arts and crafts, board games, exercise, social time, quiet time, video games, a computer lab, study/reading time, and storytelling. Light breakfast, lunch, and snacks will also be offered.

3.) What will make the A.R.W. Adult Day Center stand out compared to other facilities?

Answer: Our facility will feel more like a home than an institution, reducing the anxiety that seniors may feel when transitioning out of their familiar surroundings. We’ll also have a morning icebreaker, akin to a café setting, where guests can enjoy beverages while socializing.

4.) How do you plan to ensure the well-being and safety of the elderly under your care?

Answer: We will strictly follow the State of Michigan's guidelines, which require a 6:1 staff-to-guest ratio. A staff member will always be present, and all staff will attend ongoing training, whether it's mandatory or optional, to stay up to date on best practices.

5.) What qualifications and skills are you looking for in your staff?

Answer: Our team will include a social worker (MSW) or healthcare provider with at least a bachelor’s degree, as well as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). The social worker or healthcare provider will not need to be full-time but will handle weekly assessments and initial intakes.

6.) What are the core values or mission statement of A.R.W. Adult Day Center?

Answer: Our mission is to provide day programs that improve the quality of life for seniors with limited mobility, helping them maintain independence and stay in their own homes longer.

7.) What kinds of activities and programs will you offer to engage clients?

Answer: (Same as #2) A variety of daily activities including crafts, games, exercise, and more.

8.) Will you offer specialized services for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other specific conditions?

Answer: In the future, we plan to provide services specifically for guests with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

9.) What is your approach to nutrition and meal planning for clients?

Answer: We will provide a light breakfast, lunch, and snacks to ensure guests are well-nourished.

10.) Can you describe the enrollment process for families interested in your services?

Answer: Families will need to complete an enrollment application, followed by an assessment and intake conducted by a licensed social worker.

11.) How will you work with families to create personalized care plans for each client?

Answer: We’ll provide caregivers with a questionnaire that allows us to understand both the guest's and the caregiver's needs and preferences.

12.) What is your vision for the daily schedule at A.R.W. Adult Day Center?

Answer: The schedule will vary daily. Guests will be able to make requests for special events, and the director will plan a flexible schedule that includes morning breakout sessions, activities, lunch, and free time.

13.) Will you offer transportation options for clients, or recommend local services?

Answer: Currently, we do not provide transportation, but MDOT offers transportation services to those who qualify.

14.) Are you planning to accept insurance or provide financial assistance options for families?

Answer: We will accept Medicaid waivers and private pay.

15.) How can families learn more about A.R.W. Adult Day Center before you open?

Answer: Families can contact us directly for more information.

16.) What do you see as the key benefits of adult daycare services for elderly individuals and their families?

Answer: Our services allow seniors to maintain their independence and stay in their homes longer, while also giving caregivers a break to manage their daily lives.

17.) What steps are you taking now to prepare for the launch of A.R.W. Adult Day Center?

Answer: We are getting the building ready to provide care.

18.) What challenges have you faced so far in getting the business ready, and how have you overcome them?

Answer: Working with contractors to get the building ready was a challenge, but we’ve found a good team to complete the job.

19.) Do you have a timeline for when A.R.W. Adult Day Center officially opens?

Answer: We are aiming to open in Winter 2025.

20.) What are your long-term goals for A.R.W. Adult Day Center after it opens?

Answer: Although we are not currently accepting guests with dementia, our long-term plan is to accommodate them and expand our services to meet their needs.