Participants at Adult Day Services Centers and Their Caregivers

Adult Day Services Centers (ADSCs), also known as adult day services or adult day care, provide social or health services to adults 65 and older living in communities and to adults of any age living with disability. Participants (adults who attend ADSCs) and their caregivers can also take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones by helping reduce the spread of COVID-19 at ADSC facilities and at home.

What you can do to protect yourself and others:

band aid light icon Get a COVID-19 vaccine

• COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing COVID-19 illness and are recommended for adults 65 years and older and adults of any age with a disability.
• Participants and their caregivers should get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available.
• Even after vaccination, continue using precautions, like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more.
• Visit Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for more information.

head side mask light icon Wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart

• You can have COVID-19 and spread it to others, even if you do not feel sick.
• Masks offer protection to you and also protect those around you.
• Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when you are around people who don’t live with you.
• Masks should not be placed on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• Masks should not be worn by someone with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, for reasons related to the disability.
• If you are a caregiver or a family member of a participant with conditions like amnesia, cognitive decline, or other disabilities, please inform facility staff about assisting the participant with proper mask use.
• Continue to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for physical distancing.
• Wear a mask, even after you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

hands wash light icon  Wash your hands

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place/common area, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• If you are a caregiver or a family member of a participant who might need help washing their hands properly and frequently, please inform facility staff about assisting the participant with good hand hygiene.
• To the extent possible, avoid touching frequently touched surfaces with your hands (for example, elevator buttons, door handles, handicap door access switches, handrails).
• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, or eating utensils.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

bus light icon  Stay safe when using transportation

• Avoid group transportation, if possible. If not possible, follow CDC’s transportation guidance.
• Use all necessary precautions such as wearing a mask, physical distancing, and good hand hygiene. For public transportation, please refer to CDC’s mask requirement.
• Stay at least 6 feet from the driver and other passengers if possible.
• Avoid riding with unmasked drivers or passengers.
• Avoid touching surfaces and cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Remain up to date on timing of transport arrival and departure to minimize the time spent waiting with groups of people.

What to do if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19

user friends light icon  If you have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and you are:

• Fully vaccinated:
  • You do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
• Not fully vaccinated:
  • Let your caregiver(s) and staff of the ADSC know, and do not attend services at the ADSC until after your quarantine period has ended.
  • Stay home and self-monitor for symptoms.
  • Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

head side medical light icon  If you start showing symptoms of COVID-19:

• Get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 while at home, let your caregiver and the ADSC know
  • Do not attend ADSC until after your quarantine period has ended.
  • Immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider.
• If you become sick while at your ADSC:
  • Notify a staff member right away.
  • Staff will assist in taking proper precautions to protect others and to help you get home as quickly and safely as possible according to their facility’s policy.

If you are unsure whether you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, use the coronavirus self-checker to help you decide. Contact your health care provider or local health department if you have any further questions.

What to do if you are worried, stressed, or sad

• Visit How Right Now – Finding What Helpsexternal icon to find mental health resources.
• Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
• Visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)external icon to find treatment or mental health providers in your area

hand holding heart light icon  If you are in crisis, get immediate help:

• Call 911
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chatexternal icon
  • Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
  • The Eldercare Locatorexternal icon: 1-800-677-1116 – TTY Instructionsexternal icon
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon
      • Toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
      • The Online Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal icon is free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline
      • Call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224