In the early 1970s, a group of Yolo County residents began exploring better ways to support older adults whose changing health made independent living difficult. Their goal was to help frail and disabled adults remain in the community, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and prevent institutionalization. Inspired by the success of geriatric day hospitals in England, they envisioned a local, community-based model of care.
In 1983, the group established Friends of Adult Day Health Care (FADHC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and advocating for this model in Yolo County. Friends’ first priority was to educate the community and county leaders about the need for alternatives to nursing home care. Their efforts, in partnership with the Yolo County Health Department under Dr. Phil Walker, launched a successful fundraising campaign that ultimately secured state grant funding to build California’s first purpose-built adult day health center.
In 1984, Yolo Adult Day Health Center (YADHC) opened its doors, managed by Eskaton, Inc., and began providing comprehensive health and social services for frail and disabled adults. In 1990, YADHC expanded its programs with support from the California Department of Aging to become an Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Center, specializing in services for individuals with dementia. The program has maintained a strong partnership with
- Yolo County maintaining the license and the building.
- Friends of ADHC raising funds and promoting community awareness.
- Dignity Health/Woodland Healthcare (which replaced Eskaton in 1998) managing clinical operations.
Today FADHC remains committed to raising funds and promoting community awareness in support of YADHC's goals. Today, the center operates at full capacity with a waitlist of over 60 individuals needing the service.
