What SarahCare offers and who it serves

SarahCare is a chain of adult day centers operating in multiple states, providing structured daytime programs for older adults and people with disabilities who need supervision and activities during working hours. The centers offer a mix of social activities, meals, personal care information, and health monitoring in a group setting, allowing participants to stay in their communities while giving family caregivers time to work or manage other responsibilities.

Each SarahCare location operates independently, so the specific services, hours, staffing, and costs vary by center. Some locations focus primarily on seniors, while others serve younger adults with developmental or physical disabilities. The best way to understand what a particular SarahCare center offers is to contact the location nearest you directly, since their websites and program details differ.

SarahCare is a private, for-profit company, not a government program. This means costs are paid out-of-pocket, through long-term care insurance, or sometimes through Medicaid waivers in states where SarahCare has contracted with the state program — but this varies significantly by location and state.

Key Takeaways

  • SarahCare centers provide daytime supervision, meals, activities, and basic personal care, but the exact services and hours differ by location.
  • Costs are typically paid privately by the participant or family, though some states allow Medicaid waiver funds to cover SarahCare in certain situations.
  • Each SarahCare location has its own intake process, staff-to-participant ratios, and admission requirements, so you will need to contact your local center directly.
  • Transportation to and from the center may or may not be included, depending on the specific location and your needs.

Daily structure and activities at a SarahCare center

A typical SarahCare day includes arrival and check-in, a structured schedule of activities, a midday meal, snacks, and departure in the afternoon or early evening. Activities vary by location but commonly include arts and crafts, games, exercise or movement classes, music, outings to local businesses or parks, and social events. Some centers offer cognitive stimulation activities designed for people with memory loss or dementia.

The day is usually supervised by a mix of staff including activity coordinators, nursing or health aides, and sometimes a nurse on-site. Staff monitor participants' health, information with medications if needed, and help with toileting and personal hygiene throughout the day. The ratio of staff to participants varies by center and by state regulations, so this is an important question to ask when you contact a location.

Most SarahCare centers operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer extended hours or weekend programming. Hours typically run from early morning (around 7 or 8 a.m.) to late afternoon (around 5 or 6 p.m.), matching the work schedules of family caregivers. If you need care outside these hours, you would need to arrange it separately.

How much SarahCare costs and what payment options exist

SarahCare charges a daily rate for attendance, and the cost per day varies widely depending on the location, the level of care needed, and whether you attend full days or partial days. Daily rates typically range from around $50 to $150 per day, but this varies significantly by state and by individual center. Some centers charge by the hour instead of by the day, and some offer discounts for attending multiple days per week.

Most people pay out-of-pocket for SarahCare using personal funds, savings, or family contributions. Some families have long-term care insurance that covers adult day care, so it is worth checking your policy if you have one. A few states allow Medicaid waiver programs to pay for SarahCare services, but this is not universal — it depends on whether your state has contracted with SarahCare and whether you meet the waiver's income and care-level requirements.

To find out the exact cost at a specific SarahCare location and what payment methods they accept, you will need to contact that center directly. Ask whether they offer a trial day or reduced rate for the first visit, and whether they have financial information or sliding-scale fees available.

How to find and contact a SarahCare location near you

SarahCare operates centers in multiple states, but not in all states and not in all cities within states where they do operate. The easiest way to find a location near you is to visit the SarahCare website and use their location finder tool, which shows centers by state and city. You can also call the main SarahCare phone line to ask about centers in your area.

Once you identify a center, contact it directly to ask about current openings, the intake process, what documents you will need to bring, and whether they can accommodate the specific care needs of the person who would attend. Many centers have waiting lists, especially in busy areas, so it is worth asking how long the wait is and whether you can reserve a spot.

If there is no SarahCare location in your area, ask your local Area Agency on Aging or your state's Medicaid office about other adult day care programs in your region. Many communities have nonprofit or government-run centers that offer similar services, sometimes at lower cost or with more flexible payment options.

What documents and information you will need to bring

When you contact a SarahCare center about enrollment, be prepared to provide basic information about the person who would attend: their age, medical history, current medications, any disabilities or diagnoses, emergency contact information, and insurance details. Most centers will ask for a doctor's note or recent medical evaluation to confirm that the person is appropriate for group day care and does not require one-on-one nursing care.

You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residence, and emergency contact information. If the person has Medicaid or Medicare, bring those cards. If you are exploring Medicaid waiver coverage, the center can tell you what additional documentation they need from the state.

Before the first day, most centers require you to complete an intake form with detailed health and behavioral information, sign consent and liability forms, and sometimes meet with a staff member to discuss the person's routine, preferences, and any special needs. Ask the center for a copy of all forms in advance so you can review them and gather the information you will need.

Transportation and what happens if you cannot pick up on time

Some SarahCare locations provide transportation to and from the center, while others do not — this varies by location. If transportation is provided, it is usually included in the daily rate or charged as an add-on fee. If the center does not provide transportation, you are responsible for arranging it yourself or paying for a transportation service.

Ask the center directly whether they provide transportation, what areas they serve, and whether there are any additional costs. If you need to arrange your own transportation, you might explore local senior transportation services, volunteer driver programs, or paratransit services if the person is may be able to access for them.

Most centers have a strict pickup time, usually in the late afternoon. If you are late picking up, there may be an additional fee charged per 15 minutes or per hour. Ask the center what their late-pickup policy is and what happens if you cannot pick up on a particular day. Some centers can hold the person for a short time or arrange emergency pickup, but this is not may provide.

Health monitoring and medication management at SarahCare

SarahCare centers typically have a staff member on-site who can monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and other basic health measures throughout the day. If the person takes medications, the center will store them securely and administer them according to a schedule you provide, though the level of nursing oversight varies by location.

If the person has a serious health condition — such as diabetes, heart disease, or a seizure disorder — ask the center specifically how they manage that condition during the day. Ask whether a nurse is on-site at all times, whether staff are trained in CPR and first aid, and what their protocol is if a medical emergency occurs. Ask also whether they can accommodate special diets, feeding tubes, or other medical equipment.

You will need to provide a list of all medications, dosages, and times, along with any allergies or adverse reactions. Most centers require a doctor's note authorizing medication administration. If the person's health needs are complex, the center may require a higher level of care than they can provide, and they will let you know during the intake process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone with dementia or memory loss attend SarahCare?

Many SarahCare locations serve people with dementia and offer activities designed for memory loss, but not all centers have specialized dementia programming. When you contact a location, ask specifically whether they have experience with dementia care, what their staff training includes, and whether they can accommodate behavioral changes or wandering concerns. Some centers may require one-on-one supervision for certain behaviors, which could affect placement.

What if the person has a disability or mobility issue?

SarahCare centers vary in their ability to accommodate physical disabilities. Ask whether the building is wheelchair-accessible, whether staff can information with toileting and mobility, and whether they have experience with the specific disability. Some people may need more intensive care than a group day center can provide, and the center will tell you during intake if that is the case.

Can someone attend SarahCare part-time or just a few days a week?

Most SarahCare locations allow flexible attendance — you do not have to enroll for five days a week. Ask about their minimum attendance requirement, whether they charge the same daily rate for one day as for five days, and whether they offer discounts for regular weekly schedules. Some centers may have a waiting list for part-time spots if they prioritize full-time enrollment.

What happens if someone is sick or has a contagious illness?

Most centers have a policy excluding people with fever, active cough, or other signs of contagious illness to protect other participants. Ask the center what their illness policy is and whether they will refund the day's fee if the person cannot attend due to illness. Some centers allow return after 24 hours without fever or symptoms; others have different requirements.

Is there a contract, and what happens if we need to leave?

Most SarahCare locations require a signed enrollment agreement, which may include terms about notice required to withdraw, cancellation fees, and payment obligations. Ask for a copy of the contract before you enroll so you understand the terms. Ask also whether there is a trial period and what the center's policy is if the person is not a good fit for the program.