Our Programs
at the Adult Day Center
The Adult Day Center offers three distinct program environments, each designed around the unique strengths, needs, and goals of the people who participate. All three programs share the same welcoming facility, the same daily rhythm of care and activity, and the same commitment to dignity, independence, and belonging. Placement is person-centered — guided by what best serves each individual, not by diagnosis alone.
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is the Adult Day Center’s program for older adults who want to stay active, connected, and independent. It’s a place where people can show up as themselves — where a familiar face at the door, a good conversation over lunch, and an afternoon of music or cards can make a real difference in someone’s day.
The program is built around three core goals:
Social Engagement and Connection
Isolation is one of the most serious challenges facing older adults. The Gathering Place is designed to push back against it. Through group activities, shared meals, community outings, and everyday moments of connection, participants build friendships and find community. For many, the ADC becomes one of the most consistent and meaningful parts of their week.
Stimulating Activities
Staying mentally active matters. Our programming includes puzzles, discussion groups, trivia, reminiscence, games, arts, and leisure activities that engage memory, attention, and problem-solving — all in a setting that’s enjoyable rather than clinical. See our Care & Services page for a full look at the daily schedule and activity offerings.
Maintaining Independence Through Life’s Stages
The Gathering Place supports participants in living as fully and independently as possible, whatever that looks like for them. We meet people where they are, adjust as their needs change, and work alongside families and caregivers to make sure each person has what they need to thrive at home and in the community.
Who is a good fit for The Gathering Place? Older adults who have health conditions, who benefit from structure and social engagement during the day, and whose families or caregivers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with professional, attentive daytime care. Because placement is person-centered, we’ll talk through your loved one’s specific situation during the tour and enrollment process.
Connections
Connections is the Adult Day Center’s program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is a program built on the belief that every person deserves meaningful days — days with purpose, friendship, activity, and community. Connections gives participants a consistent, welcoming place to belong, and the support to engage with the world around them on their own terms.
Building Skills and Relationships
At the heart of Connections is a commitment to helping participants develop interpersonal skills, build friendships, and engage in meaningful relationships. Through group activities, community outings, and structured social interaction, participants grow their confidence and find their place in the broader community.
Structure, Routine, and Belonging
A consistent daily routine provides real comfort and security for many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Connections offers a predictable, well-organized day that participants can count on — reducing anxiety, supporting engagement, and creating the conditions for each person to participate successfully. See our Care & Services page for a full look at the daily schedule.
Programming Tailored to Each Person
Getting out into the community is a core part of what Connections offers. Daily outings between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, take participants to businesses, parks, community centers, and other destinations around Madison. These outings aren’t extras — they’re central to the program’s purpose of fostering real community integration and connection.
No two participants in Connections are the same, and programming reflects that. Activities are tailored to individual abilities and interests, with a focus on stimulating cognitive functioning, encouraging physical wellness, fostering creative expression, and building practical skills. Like all ADC programming, activities are fail-free and adapted as needed so everyone can participate fully.
Community Integration
Who Is Connections For?
Connections serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are looking for a supportive, active daytime program with professional care and meaningful engagement. Placement is always person-centered — we work with each participant, their family, and their support team to make sure the program is the right fit. If you’re not sure whether Connections is right for your loved one, we encourage you to reach out or schedule a tour.
Memory Care
Memory Care at the Adult Day Center is a dedicated program for adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It is designed around the reality that memory loss is a journey — one that looks different for every person — and that the right environment, routine, and support can make an enormous difference in quality of life.
A Space Designed for Comfort and Dignity
The Memory Care space is thoughtfully designed to promote safety, dignity, and meaningful engagement. Participants are welcomed into a comforting, home-like setting with defined areas for activity, reminiscence, and social connection. Interactive stations encourage hands-on involvement in familiar, everyday routines. Together, these elements create a space where participants can feel relaxed, purposeful, and connected throughout their day.
Safety and Security
Safety is built into every aspect of the Memory Care environment. The ADC uses a wander guard system that detects when a participant who may be at risk of wandering approaches an exit — allowing people to move freely within safe spaces while preventing unsafe exits. A secured fob entry system between program areas adds an additional layer of protection. The outdoor patio is fully enclosed. These features exist not to restrict, but to protect — so participants can move, engage, and simply be, without risk.
Consistent Routines, Familiar Faces
Memory Care participants receive a higher level of staffing attention. Staff-to-participant ratios in Memory Care range from 1:4 to 1:6, depending on participant needs. All ADC staff receive the same foundational training and are encouraged to pursue additional specialized training in dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
For people living with memory loss, consistency is care. The Memory Care program provides a structured daily routine that reduces confusion, anxiety, and agitation. Participants see the same staff, follow the same general rhythm each day, and engage in activities specifically suited to their needs — music, art, reminiscence, sensory experiences, and other therapeutic programming that supports cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Staffing
Support for Families and Caregivers
Caring for someone with memory loss is one of the most demanding things a family can do. Memory Care at the ADC is as much a support for caregivers as it is for participants — providing reliable, professional daytime care that gives families time to rest, work, and tend to their own well-being, knowing their loved one is safe and genuinely cared for.
Families are integral to the care we provide. From the initial care plan to every six-month review, we work closely with families and caregivers to understand each participant’s history, preferences, and needs. We communicate regularly about how your loved one is doing, and we welcome your questions, concerns, and input at any time. Our Care Supervisor, Kristin Hutson, is your primary point of contact and can be reached by phone or email.
Is Memory Care the Right Fit?
Memory Care is designed for adults at various stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who can benefit from a structured daytime program in a group setting. We encourage families to call us or schedule a tour — our team is glad to talk through your loved one’s situation and help you determine whether our program is the right fit at this stage of their journey.
Three Programs, One Community
At the Catholic Charities Adult Day Center, The Gathering Place, Memory Care, and Connections share one building, one team, and one commitment: that every person who walks through our doors is seen, supported, and valued. Whatever your loved one needs today — and whatever comes next — we are here.