Rural/Urban Differences in Adult Day Care

Abstract

A review of the literature indicated that rural areas tended to be disadvantaged relative to urban areas in community-based health services, but no studies had been done on adult day care (ADC). Using data from a national survey of 822 ADC centers, this study found significant differences between urban and rural ADC centers on 23 of 42 structure, process, and client measures. Rural ADC centers tended to have lower enrollments, with a client population that was significantly less impaired. These findings were further reflected in services and activities provided in rural centers that were less clinical, a finding that is consistent with a less impaired clientele. Rural centers also reported less involvement of the family and community in activities. Rural ADC was clearly different from urban and deserves further study as a distinct entity.