Groups IDENTIFIERS *Client Chayacteristics; *Long Term Care; New

Day care is a growing service in'the field of long-term care, increasing the options available to the impaired elderly. To study the development of adult day care centers in southeastern New England, and to identify the relationship of day care centers to tOe long term,care network of servicss, the 11 day care-centers in the catchment area-of the southeaste I n New England Long Term Care Gerontology Center were studied,(6 in Massachusetts and 5 in Rhbde Island). Surveys of professioma1 personnel and clients, and site,visits were used to compare the centers in terms of physical facilities, admission criteria, participant characteristics, financial *sources, staffing services and activities, and relatiOnshilD with families and community activities. Results showed, that all centers admit clients yegardless of living conditions, although 41 % of those admitted live alone. Day care bad n