You’re caring for an aging parent or spouse at home. They’re not ready for residential care, but you’re exhausted from the constant responsibility. You need to work, run errands or simply take a breath—but worry constantly about their safety and well-being. If this sounds familiar, an adult day program might be exactly what your family needs.
River Garden’s Adult Day Program in Jacksonville has provided this vital support to Northeast Florida families for decades. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, our program offers a safe, engaging environment for seniors while giving caregivers the respite and peace of mind they desperately need.
What Is an Adult Day Program?
An adult day program is a structured daytime service for older adults who need supervision, social engagement or support with daily activities—but who don’t require 24-hour residential care. Think of it as a community center designed specifically for seniors with cognitive impairment, where they can:
- Participate in stimulating activities
- Socialize with peers
- Receive nutritious meals
- Access therapy services when needed
- Enjoy a safe, supervised environment
Meanwhile, family caregivers can work, handle appointments, take care of personal needs or simply rest—knowing their loved one is well cared for in a professional setting.
Who Benefits from Adult Day Programs?
Adult day programs serve seniors who:
- Live at home but should not be alone during the day
- Are socially isolated and need peer interaction
- Have mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia
- Need structured activities and mental stimulation
- Benefit from nutritious meals and health monitoring
- Require assistance that family caregivers can not provide during work hours
These programs are particularly valuable for families where the primary caregiver works, has other responsibilities or is experiencing caregiver burnout.
The Hidden Crisis: Caregiver Burnout
Family caregiving is one of the most demanding roles anyone can take on. Studies show that caregivers experience:
- Higher rates of depression and anxiety
- Chronic stress affecting physical health
- Sleep deprivation
- Social isolation
- Financial strain from reduced work hours
- Guilt over feeling overwhelmed
The reality? You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Adult day programs provide the structured respite that allows caregivers to recharge while ensuring their loved ones receive excellent care.
What Makes the Adult Day Program at River Garden Special?
Located in a spacious, dedicated 5,000-square-foot center on our beautiful Jacksonville campus, the Adult Day Program at River Garden is designed around the six dimensions of wellness: physical, purposeful, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Flexible, Personalized Scheduling
We understand that every family’s needs are different. Our program offers:
- Personalized schedules tailored to each participant
- Full-day or partial-day options
- Monday through Friday availability (7:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Affordable fee-for-service pricing
Engaging Daily Activities
Clients enjoy a rich variety of activities designed to nurture body, mind and spirit:
Physical Wellness
- Chair exercises
- Movement games
- Gentle fitness activities
Creative & Intellectual Wellness
- Arts and crafts projects
- Painting and ceramics
- Baking and cooking activities
- Brain-stimulating games
Social & Emotional Wellness
- Group games and bingo
- Music and entertainment
- Intergenerational programs
- Opportunities to build friendships
Community & Purpose
- Meaningful social connections
- Shared experiences with peers
- A sense of belonging and community
Nutritious Meals and Snacks
Proper nutrition is essential for health. Our program provides:
- Delicious, balanced meals
- Healthy snacks throughout the day
- Jewish dietary laws observed
- Accommodation for special dietary needs
Access to Professional Services
As part of the River Garden continuum of care, Adult Day Program clients have access to:
- Therapy Services: Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy available with a physician referral
- Personal Care: On-site beauty salon/barbershop services and bathing
- Dementia Care Resources: Monthly support group and professional services
- Additional River Garden Services: Easy access to our full range of senior care options as needs evolve
The Real-Life Impact: Stories from Families
Consider the story of Maria, whose 78-year-old mother had early-stage dementia. Maria was working full-time while trying to care for her mom, who couldn’t safely stay home alone. Maria was exhausted, her job performance was suffering and her mother was lonely and bored at home all day.
After enrolling in River Garden’s Adult Day Program, everything changed. Maria’s mother looked forward to her days filled with activities, friends and purpose. She came home happier and more engaged. Maria could focus at work without constant worry, and their time together in the evenings became quality time rather than stressed, resentful caregiving.
This is the power of adult day programs—they improve quality of life for both seniors and their caregivers.
Common Questions About Adult Day Programs
“Will my loved one feel like they’re being ‘dropped off’ or abandoned?”
Initially, some seniors may resist the idea. However, most clients quickly grow to love their adult day program once they experience the activities, socialization and sense of community. Many participants ask to come more days per week!
“How do I know if my loved one is ready for an adult day program?”
Consider an adult day program if your loved one:
- Should not be home alone for safety reasons
- Is socially isolated or lonely
- Would benefit from structured activities
- Needs supervision that is difficult to provide while working
“How much does it cost?”
We offer an affordable fee-for-service model. Contact our team to discuss pricing.
Why the Adult Day Program at River Garden Stands Out
When you choose River Garden, you’re choosing:
- 80 Years of Trust: Nearly a century of excellence in senior care
- Beautiful Setting: A safe, welcoming 5,000 sq. ft. center on our scenic 40-acre campus
- Holistic Approach: Programs addressing all dimensions of wellness
- Professional Staff: Trained, compassionate team members who genuinely care
- Integrated Services: Priority access to therapy, health services and our full continuum of care
- Peace of Mind: You can go to work or take care of yourself knowing your loved one is safe, engaged and thriving
Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Others
Asking for help isn’t giving up—it’s being smart. Adult day programs allow you to be a better caregiver by giving you the breaks you need to stay healthy, maintain your career and preserve your relationships.
Your loved one benefits from professional support, stimulating activities, nutritious meals and meaningful social connections. You benefit from respite, reduced stress and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re safe and happy.
It’s not just a service—it’s a lifeline for the entire family.
Visit the Adult Day Program at River Garden
We invite you to experience our Adult Day Program firsthand. See our spacious center, meet our caring staff, observe activities in progress and ask all your questions. Most importantly, envision how this program could improve quality of life for your loved one—and for you.
To learn more or schedule a visit:
- Call River Garden Senior Services
- Visit rivergarden.org
- Speak with our Adult Day Program Manager
- Tour our facility and meet our team
Caregiving doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. Let River Garden’s Adult Day Program support your family with compassionate, professional care that enriches lives and brings peace of mind.
River Garden Senior Services Adult Day Program is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, proudly serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida families.