As the health-care sector evolves to accommodate a growing number of elderly Americans, officials in Connecticut say one area that’s seeing expanded interest is adult day-care centers.

As Theresa Motta explains, the latest trend involves day-care centers targeting adults.

“It’s a good way to transition into assisted living,” said Motta, a supervisor at Shady Oaks Assisted Living Center in Bristol.

According to Matthew Barrett of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, an association of 148 nursing homes in Connecticut, the number of people older than 65 nationally is expected to grow to 19.3 percent of the U.S. population by 2030. “In Connecticut, aging services policy-makers are projecting a 40 percent growth of those older than 65 between 2010 and 2025,” Barrett said Friday. “By 2025, some 64,000 state residents will need long-term care support or services. This is 24,000 more than today’s demand.”

There are 238 nursing homes in Connecticut with a total of 28,780 beds, he said, and they’re 92 percent full.

The state’s population of 90 and older is the second oldest in the nation (only South Dakota is older).

Erika Copes, director of marketing and business development at Mulberry Gardens Day Center at Marian Heights in New Britain, says adult day centers are catching on with seniors. 

“It appeals to seniors with socialization needs or those coping with dementia,” she said Friday. “Working adults can leave a parent during the day and pick him up at night.”

Because it’s relatively new, only a year old, the Marian Heights location in New Britain still has room for senior day care. However, there’s a waiting list at its sister location, Mulberry Gardens of Southington.

Perry Phillips, executive director of Mulberry Gardens of Southington, said more seniors are becoming aware of day-care centers.

“It’s becoming an affordable option,” he said. “It’s reasonably priced, less than a caregiver, and the senior gets socialization in the form of games, trips, crafts and so on.”

Phillips argues that seniors who start in day-care centers make an easier transition into assisted living or nursing homes.

“The person has previously experienced a comfort level from the staff,” he said Friday. “In the past there wasn’t this option. Seniors went directly into nursing homes.”

There are 55 seniors on Mulberry’s day-center roster in Southington, serving 25 to 30 a day. Mulberry Gardens in New Britain has 30 members and the center serves about 15 a day.

Mag Morelli, president of Leading Age of Berlin, says the trend toward adult day centers stems from Baby Boomers — those ages 48 to 68 — who want to stay in their homes longer. Leading Age is a membership organization representing 150 not-for-profit health care providers.

Another reason for the move to adult day centers is a state moratorium on nursing homes.

“The law says you can’t build a new one,” she said, “unless you build a private nursing home affiliated with a continuing care retirement community.”

Morelli says there are now 46 day centers in the state. Three were certified last year by the Connecticut Adult Day Centers Association. She noted that day centers must be certified rather than licensed.

Paula Vaicekauskas, association president, said she certifies day centers based on health and safety, then returns for recertification in six months and again in three years. Requirements include meeting certain building regulations, having social workers, a registered nurse (if the center is a medical model), a recreation staff, and meals with fruits and vegetables.

Vaicekauskas said adult day centers may have been slow to catch on because some of the elderly confuse them with senior centers.

“More seniors want to stay home for as long as possible,” she said. “If a family member is still working and we can keep their loved one out of a nursing home, the day center can be a good option.”