National Adult Day Services Week: Celebrating Purpose, Connection & Possibility

Each September, communities across the country recognize National Adult Day Services Week, a time to celebrate the important role adult day programs play in the lives of older adults, individuals experiencing cognitive changes, and the families who care for them.

This year, National Adult Day Services Week is celebrated September 20–26, 2026, with the theme “IGNITE: Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities.” It’s a theme we love at Silver Fox because it captures so much of what adult day services are all about—helping people remain active, engaged, connected, and part of their community.

A Little History

National Adult Day Services Week has a history spanning more than four decades. The week was initially proclaimed in 1983 and was reaffirmed nationally by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Today, the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) continues the tradition, designating the week beginning with the third Sunday of September as National Adult Day Services Week.

The goal is not only to celebrate adult day programs, but also to increase awareness. Many families still don't know that adult day services exist—or realize how much support these programs can provide before a family begins considering more restrictive or costly care options.

What Are Adult Day Services?

Adult day services provide structured support during the day while allowing individuals to continue living in their own homes and communities.

Here in New York, Social Adult Day Services can provide socialization, supervision and monitoring, personal care, nutrition, and other supports based on an individual's needs. Programs may also offer activities designed to maintain daily living skills, transportation, caregiver support, and assistance coordinating services.

But a good adult day program is about much more than simply having a safe place to spend the day.

It's about belonging.

It's having people who notice when you walk through the door.

It's sharing a meal with friends, laughing during an activity, exercising, listening to music, playing a game, trying something new, or having someone recognize that today you may need a little extra support.

And it's having the opportunity to continue making choices, forming relationships, contributing, and enjoying meaningful experiences regardless of age or cognitive changes.

Adult Day Services in New York

Adult day services are an important part of New York's broader system of community-based long-term care.

New York's Social Adult Day Services standards emphasize person-centered services designed to help participants maintain the highest practicable level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being while encouraging independence, existing abilities, new interests, and continued engagement with others.

For programs working with Managed Long Term Care plans, New York has also strengthened oversight in recent years. Social Adult Day Care programs contracted with MLTC plans are subject to annual compliance reviews addressing state and federal requirements, including the federal Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule.

These standards reflect something those of us in Adult Day Services have known for a long time: people deserve support that allows them to remain part of their community and continue living full, meaningful lives.

Supporting the Caregiver, Too

Adult day services don't just support the person attending the program. They also support the people who love and care for them.

Family caregivers often juggle employment, appointments, household responsibilities, raising children, and their own health while caring for an aging parent, spouse, or other loved one.

Knowing that a loved one is spending the day in a safe, engaging environment can provide caregivers with something incredibly valuable: time.

Time to work.
Time to run errands.
Time to attend appointments.
Time to take care of other family responsibilities.
And sometimes, simply time to recharge.

That respite can help families continue caring for their loved ones at home for as long as possible.

What Adult Day Services Look Like at Silver Fox

At Silver Fox Adult Day Centers, our philosophy has always been simple: people need more than care—they need purpose, friendship, laughter, choices, and things to look forward to.

At our Baldwinsville and Manlius locations, our members spend their days socializing with friends, participating in cognitive and physical activities, enjoying meals together, celebrating birthdays and holidays, taking part in special events, and occasionally getting into just the right amount of mischief with our staff.

For individuals experiencing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, familiar routines, meaningful engagement, social connection, and a supportive environment can be especially valuable.

And no two members are exactly alike. That's why person-centered care is so important to us. We focus on the individual—their interests, abilities, preferences, history, personality, and what makes a good day for them.

Celebrating Adult Day Services Week

During National Adult Day Services Week, we're proud to celebrate our members, our caregivers, our incredible Silver Fox team, and Adult Day Services professionals throughout New York and across the country.

We're also celebrating the possibilities that exist when communities invest in programs that help people remain connected, supported, and living where they want to live.

Because Adult Day Services isn't simply about filling the hours between morning and afternoon.

It's about making those hours matter.

If you've wondered whether Adult Day Services might be a good option for someone you love, we'd be happy to help you learn more about Silver Fox Adult Day Centers and what a day with us looks like.

Come see for yourself—and discover what it means to be part of the Silver Fox family.