California Seniors and Disabled Now Equipped With Valuable New Resource.

News Editors/Health & Medical Writers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--July 10, 2001

The California Association of Adult Day Services (CAADS), a nonprofit organization that advocates for the growth and development of adult day services in California and nationally, just published the first-ever directory containing a comprehensive listing of licensed adult day services and programs in California. In addition, an abbreviated version of the directory is available on the organization's website, www.caads.org.

CAADS members provide programs that support people with physical or mental disabilities and older adults with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other age-related disorders. CAADS' new user-friendly directory includes listings of licensed adult day health care, adult day care and adult day support centers throughout California. In addition, the directory lists designated Alzheimer's day care resource centers. Adult day services may include health monitoring, supervision, specialized care and nutritional meals and snacks.

"The publication of this directory marks a milestone in CAADS' efforts to educate and support referral sources and consumers with needed resources, help and information about adult day services," said Lydia Missaelides, executive director of CAADS. "We think people will find it a valuable support tool."

The directory was published based on the growing demand for adult day services. The number of adult day health care centers increased by 70% between 1998 and 2000. And according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there has been a 15% increase in the number of adults over age 65 in the United States in the last decade. Within another 10 years baby boomers will comprise the leading edge of the senior population most in need of adult day services.

Funded by a grant from the Archstone Foundation, the CAADS directory gives consumers and referral sources an easy and quick reference to identify and locate adult day resources in areas throughout the state. It lists California's programs and resources by county, city or center name.

CAADS staff has researched each of the programs, and has included detailed descriptions such as the types of adult day services and programs available, how to select an adult day services program and a self-assessment guide. The Web site includes listings of services with basic information such as names, addresses and phone numbers.

Directories will be available to consumers at various locations throughout the state including area agencies on aging, senior centers and other referral organizations. Consumers can contact these organizations to access the directory, get information from the CAADS Web site or purchase the directory from CAADS.

To purchase the directory from CAADS, call 916/552-7400. Directories cost $50 each to cover production and printing. There is a $5 shipping and handling cost per directory. Under the grant from the Archstone Foundation, CAADS plans to update and reprint the directory each year for the next two years.

As a nationally recognized leader in the field of aging, CAADS provides advocacy, timely information, analysis, technical assistance, education, and networking opportunities member organizations. For more information visit www.caads.org or call Lonnie at 916/552-7400.