frequently asked questions

How long have you been around?
What does it cost?
Are there additional charges?
Is transportation available?
Will you take someone in a wheelchair?
Sometimes, my wife is incontinent. Can she still come?
My dad has a lot of diet restrictions. How will you handle that?
Dad has a hard time communicating. How will the staff understand his needs and care for him appropriately?
Can we try it out before committing?
Do the clients get to make friendships with each other?
How soon can we start?
How do we decide on the schedule for attendance?
How do I prepare for the first day? What do I need to bring?
Is scheduling flexible if Mom has a doctor’s appointment or something?
How will you communicate with me about any concerns?
What happens if there is an emergency?
Mom tends to wander sometimes. How will I know she is safe?
Do you find many participants to be resistant to coming?
Do you know how to care for someone with dementia?
Is staff trained to care for my loved one who has special needs?
Do you care for people who are just a little forgetful but need structure to their day?
My dad needs medications and regular BP tests done. Can you do that?
What if my husband gets worse? Can you still care for him?
How do you handle billing?

How long have you been around?
          We have been serving frail and dependent adults in Chester County since 1983. ACCC was among the first adult day centers in Pennsylvania, and has led the way in adult care ever since.

What does it cost?
          Cost depends on the abilities and needs of each participant. Fees start at $72/day for level one care. Nurses do a complete assessment prior to the first day to determine the level of care required.

Are there additional charges?
          Some of our optional services have additional fees which are billed at the end of each month. Hair care, showers, various trips, podiatry services, Brain Workouts, and physical and occupational therapy all have extra costs.

Is transportation available?
          Yes. We work with Rover paratransit transportation. You must register with Rover and arrange your schedule. The cost is reasonable and varies depending on age, 75 cents each way for riders over age 65 and more for younger riders, and the buses operate all over Chester County. Drivers are familiar with our services, and work with a roster that tells them exactly where to drop off and pick up participants. Rover is a door to door service, and drivers are not allowed in the house. It is preferred that a family member be present at the home for pick up and drop off each day. At the Center, staff assist the clients from the bus into the building.

Will you take someone in a wheelchair?
          Yes. Many of our participants use wheelchairs either all the time, or just for long distances. Our staff are trained in transferring people to and from wheelchairs and caring for the specific needs of those in wheelchairs.

Sometimes my wife is incontinent. Can she still come?
          Yes. Our staff are trained in sensitive personal care assistance for those requiring help. We ask that you bring your own supplies, as needed by your loved one.

My dad has a lot of diet restrictions. How will you handle that?
          Our kitchen staff are trained to accommodate most diet restrictions. Pureed meals, chopped meals, low salt meals, and diabetic meals are prepared in addition to the house meals. Personal preferences and allergies are also accommodated.

Dad has a hard time communicating. How will the staff understand his needs and care for him appropriately?
          Our staff are trained in a variety of communication methods for a variety of challenges. Nonverbal gestures, prompts, and yes/no questions are some typical alternate ways of communicating. We also ask families to explain how they handle communication at home so that we can be consistent with the participant.

Can we try it out before committing?
          We do not offer a free trial period. However, by signing up to start services with us, you are not committing to any set time frame. We work with you and the participant to adjust to the transition.

Do the clients get to make friendships with each other?
          Yes! Our participants spend all day together in their program rooms and gathering areas. They play games together, engage in conversation, tell each other stories from their rich life histories, enjoy musical entertainment together, and form strong relationships over the many hours of shared activities.  

How soon can we start?
          There is no waiting period. You can start as soon as paperwork is completed. All application paperwork needs to be at the Center before the first day.

How do we decide on the schedule for attendance?
          Schedules are very flexible, but routine attendance is recommended. We encourage at least three days a week, and consistency from week to week. We prefer to be notified of changes at least a week in advance.

How do I prepare for the first day? What do I need to bring?
          Please bring all medications that will need to be administered, each in their original prescription bottle, a change of clothes, and any incontinence garments. All clothing and outerwear should be labeled with the participant’s name. We prefer that personal items, and particularly any valuables such as purses, wallets, and cell phones, be left at home. For you, the caregiver, we encourage you to enjoy the day with family or friends as a time of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Is scheduling flexible if Mom has a doctor’s appointment or something?
          Yes. We ask to have a week’s advance notice of any schedule changes. We can either switch days or cancel altogether for the missed day.

How will you communicate with me about any concerns?
          Email and phone are typical methods of communication.

What happens if there is an emergency?
          Nurses are on-site during all operating hours. Should an emergency occur, our participants will be assessed by a nurse who will decide the best course of action. Possible responses include calling you, a physician, or 911. The emergency contact number listed on your application for admission will also be called, no matter the situation.

Mom tends to wander sometimes. How will I know she is safe?
          Adult Care of Chester County provides secured facilities. The program area can only be accessed by entering a passcode, a secure number only known by employees. We have ample room for participants to wander throughout the day while remaining safe inside our main rooms. Gated outdoor gardens are also available during nice weather. Staff monitor those who are wandering to ensure their safety and happiness.

Do you find many participants to be resistant to coming?
          The first few weeks can be challenging, but we ask that caregivers be persistent in the participant’s attendance. A routine attendance schedule of at least three times a week is helpful in the transition. We invite caregivers to call anytime to update us on their loved one’s mood regarding the transition. After the initial transition, most participants look forward to coming.

Do you know how to care for someone with dementia?
          Yes. All staff receive initial and annual training including training on the specific challenges of dementia participants. We recognize the unique needs of participants with dementia and serve them accordingly. Many of our staff are also certified by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America as Certified Dementia Care Professionals.

Is staff trained to care for my loved one who has special needs?
          Every employee receives 40 hours of initial training, and a minimum of 24 additional hours each year. Numerous disease processes and working with those with dementia are covered as well as staff training in CPR / First Aid and emergency techniques.

Do you care for people who are just a little forgetful but need structure to their day?
          Yes. Our Exton Center has four levels of programming to accommodate people with varying needs. Our Southern Center also offers a variety of activities and programs for the varying needs of our participants there.

My dad needs medications, accuchecks or regular BP tests done. Can you do that?
          Yes. A nurse is always present and will administer medications, check blood sugar or blood pressure, or provide treatments as prescribed by a physician.

What if my husband gets worse? Can you still care for him?
          Due to various levels of care, and our staff of registered nurses available during all operating hours, we are able to care for any level of need. Exceptions are those who become bed-bound, those who are a danger to themselves or others, and those who become unable to get to our Centers.

How do you handle billing?
          Bills are mailed at the end of each month in reference to the previous month’s attendance. The first bill will include a small application fee.