The Ivey, a $5 million dollar adult day care center, is the newest trend in adult day care – upscale. Located in Charlotte, the Ivey touts themselves as the “newest and most luxurious option for day time-only socialization and care for older adults.” Luxurious is the word to describe it – the exterior is reminiscent of a mountain lodge and the facilities are retreat-like. They include things like a great room with gaming and “socially supportive dining areas”, juice bar, nap rooms, bathing rooms, spa setting for massages, nail and hair salon, kitchen with gourmet meals, physical therapy room, and a resource library.In a recent article in the Charlotte Observer, described it as the “county’s only adult day care marketing solely to private-pay customers, it’s designed to appeal to residents in affluent southeast Charlotte.” There is a joining fee of $2,500 followed by $150-$180 per DAY. Long term care insurance can be used in some circumstances to help defray this cost.While the trend is for an increasing need and demand for adult day care facilities, many adult day care facilities are struggling to keep their slots filled right now. Since the Ivey is more upscale (and considerably more expensive) it will be interesting to see if the Boomers will be willing to spend their nest egg on the good life.
