Abstract
This study distinguished the unique characteristics of adult day care (ADC) centers serving victims of Alzheimer's disease (ALZ) as compared to centers without a substantial proportion of Alzheimer's victims (non-ALZ). A set of hypotheses regarding expected differences in the characteristics of ALZ versus non-ALZ centers along with the rationale for these hypotheses are presented. The measures of ADC characteristics are then described. The results of two types of analyses are presented: t tests and discriminant function analyses. The results indicate that the major discriminating factor was increased support for families in ALZ centers. Alzheimer's programming also placed more emphasis on therapeutic recreation, personal care assistance and training, and entertainment rather than on the provision of clinical and personal services. ALZ centers tended to have higher morale with the perception of being more caring and pleasant. They had longer hours, greater provision of transportation, and more amenities for the disabled. Implications are drawn for practice and research in ADC.
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