Frequently Asked Questions
What is Better Day?
Better Day Adult Social Day Program is uniquely designed to support, connect and provide meaningful engagement for adults living with cognitive impairment in the Metrowest Boston area. It has been known as Pleasantries Adult Day Services since 2008. In 2020 Pleasantries was converted into Better Day Adult Social Day Program and became a non-profit organization.
Better Day is situated in a residential home in Marlborough, providing a warm and comfortable setting where guests can feel at ease and be at their best.
Better Day Adult Social Day Program provides:
A 7-hour daily program (Monday-Friday) that guests can attend 2-5 days per week
Tailored programming led by a caring staff with years of dementia care experience
Nutritious and brain healthy lunch and afternoon snack (accommodating of guests’ dietary restrictions)
Enriching activities including:
Exercise
Music & Art
Walks, Gardening and Time at the Beach
Cooking
Interactive Games
Intergenerational Programming
& more!
Please note that Better Day offers a social model of care, which is different than traditional medical adult day programs. Better Day is able to assist guests with the following:
Medication reminders
Cueing for continence and toileting
Light assistance with ambulation & transferring
What type of guest thrives at BettEr Day?
Better Day prides itself in offering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals living with memory loss. Better Day’s guests often have a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's Disease, or another form of dementia.
While guests are in different stages of the disease, most guests are in the early-to-moderate stages, where they are able to perform most, if not all, Activities of Daily Living on their own.
Better Day is a social day program with a low guest-to-staff ratio; however, the program is not designed to accommodate guests that require full-time 1:1 attention.
What benefits will I receive by choosing Better Day Adult Social Day program
We take great pride in the quality of our programming and our staff. Our days are structured yet free flowing, allowing guests to maintain autonomy and freedom. Our dedicated staff, however, makes the difference. They absolutely love coming to spend the day with our guests, knowing that they will help facilitate “a better day” for all.
Residential Home-Like Setting: Situated alongside Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough, coming to Better Day feels more like visiting family or friends than going to an “institution.” Our warm and inviting space diminishes angst for both guests and their families about where they will be spending their days.
Nutritious and Balanced Lunch and Afternoon Snack: Better Day meals are prepared in-house with fresh ingredients on three days of the week, allowing guests to benefit from the whole meal experience. Two days of the week, the wonderful students at Assabet Valley Regional High School cook for us. Meal time is a great time for reminiscing and sharing stories. The Better Day difference: we do not serve meals but share meals with our guests.
Activities that Engage And Connect: Organic programming is our philosophy in how we approach our days. Our focus is to stimulate mind, body and soul through activities that are fun, spark connection, and bring purpose to our guests’ days. Our best barometer of how someone’s day is going is not something tangible but rather their sense of calm, connectedness and being at peace.
It seems like better day would be a great place for my loved one. However, my loved one doesn’t think s/he needs “help”?
We understand that those living with dementia often lack insight into their own deficits, making caring for a loved one with this disease potentially even more challenging. We strongly urge families to not try and reason with loved ones, but rather apply the basic principles of the habilitation model developed by the Alzheimer’s Association. We also encourage families to think about using a “therapeutic fiblet” to protect our guests’ dignity and willingness to attend Better Day.
Many guests think that they are coming to volunteer, going to a “social club,” or visiting a friend’s home. We are happy to speak with you about how to best position Better Day for your loved one, so you are faced with less resistance and more acceptance about participating in our program.
What are Better Day’s rates?
Better Day is open Monday-Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Guests have the flexibility to attend anywhere from 2-5 days per week.
| 9:30 am - 4:30 pm - includes lunch, all programming, and a low guest-to-staff ratio | $150/day |
Pleasantries Monthly Financial Comparison:
Pleasantries Adult Day Services (5 days/week)
Monthly Cost: $2,300
Meals included? Breakfast, Lunch, & Snacks
Group or 1:1? Group
Non-medical home care (5 days/week)
Monthly Cost: $4,500
Meals included? None
Group or 1:1? 1:1
Memory Care Assisted Living (24/7)
Monthly Cost: $7,500-9,500
Meals included? All meals
Group or 1:1? Group
| Offering/Cost | Better Day (5 days/week) | Non-medical home care (5 days/week) | Memory Care Assisted Living (24/7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $2,750 | $4,500* | $7,500-9,500* |
| Meals included? | Lunch & Snacks | None | All meals |
| Group or 1:1? | Group | 1:1 | Group |
*Please note that prices lists above for non-medical home care and Memory Care Assisted Living are based on local industry averages only
How often do you bill for your services?
We invoice on a monthly basis for our services. Invoices are emailed on the 22nd of each moth for the upcoming month. We accept payments via check or ACH (max. of $20 fee is covered by the customer).
Does insurance cover Better Day services?
At this time, there are three ways to pay for Better Day Adult Social Day Program: private pay, Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI), or VA Benefits. If you have LTCI or may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefits, please contact the Executive Director, who can help guide you through the process.
Does Better Day offer transportation to/from my home?
Thanks to a Cummings Foundation grant for a minivan, we offer limited transportation for our guests up to a max. of 15 miles distance from Better Day. Transportation is based upon availability. The cost per ride is as follows:
< 5 miles = $8
5 - 10 miles = $10
10-15 miles = $12
Mom had attended Better Day Adult Social Day Program 3 times weekly over this last year while she lived at home with our family due to the pandemic. Mom had perfect attendance, as she loved going to the program. Regina and her staff, Lisa, Lynn, Kathy and Nancy are angels! They deeply care for each attendee and it is evident in the compassion, patience and kindness that is present on every visit. I highly recommend Better Day Adult Social Day Program. They are the Best!!
Kathleen A.