Types of Homes for Care
Choosing the right living arrangement for yourself or a loved one can be a significant decision, especially as needs and priorities change. This guide provides an overview of various senior living options to help you navigate the choices and find the best fit.
Assisted Living Facility
- What it is: Assisted living offers a supportive environment for seniors who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, but who don’t require 24/7 skilled nursing care.
- Care Provided: Assistance with ADLs, medication reminders, meals, housekeeping, social activities.
- Amenities: Private or shared apartments, common areas for socializing, dining rooms, often on-site beauty salons and activity rooms.
- Suitable for: Seniors who value independence but need some assistance with daily tasks.
Nursing Home
- What it is: Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical supervision for individuals with complex health needs.
- Levels of Care: Skilled nursing (short-term rehabilitation), long-term care for chronic conditions.
- Amenities: Private or shared rooms, on-site medical staff, therapy services, dining facilities.
- Suitable for: Seniors who require a high level of medical care and assistance.
Board and Care Home
- What it is: Smaller, residential settings offering personalized care, including meals, housekeeping, and assistance with ADLs.
- Care Provided: Help with daily tasks, medication management, meals, laundry, and some social activities.
- Amenities: Private or shared rooms, common living areas, home-like environment.
- Suitable for: Seniors who prefer a smaller, more intimate setting and require assistance with daily living.
Memory Care Facility
- What it is: Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
- Specialized Care: Secure environments, staff trained in dementia care, activities designed to engage and support cognitive function.
- Amenities: Private or shared rooms, secure outdoor spaces, sensory gardens, reminiscence therapy programs.
- Suitable for: Seniors with memory impairment who need a safe and supportive environment.
Independent Living Community
- What it is: Apartment-style living for active seniors who desire a maintenance-free lifestyle and social interaction.
- Care Provided: Minimal to no personal care assistance. Focus on social activities and community engagement.
- Amenities: Fitness centers, swimming pools, game rooms, organized outings, transportation services.
- Suitable for: Active seniors who want to maintain their independence and enjoy a vibrant social life.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
- What it is: Offers a continuum of care options on one campus, from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing.
- Continuum of Care: Residents can transition between levels of care as their needs change.
- Entrance Fees and Contracts: Typically require an upfront entrance fee and monthly fees.
- Suitable for: Seniors who want the security of knowing their future care needs will be met in a familiar environment.
Hospice Care Facility
- What it is: Provides specialized care and comfort for individuals with a terminal illness.
- Care Provided: Pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, family support services.
- Amenities: Comfortable and home-like environment, private or semi-private rooms, access to spiritual counselors and volunteers.
- Suitable For: Individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less.
Convalescent Home
- What it is: A term often used interchangeably with “nursing home,” providing 24/7 medical care and assistance.
- Care Provided: Skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, assistance with ADLs, medication management.
- Amenities: Private or shared rooms, on-site medical staff, dining facilities, therapy rooms.
- Suitable For: Individuals who require ongoing medical care and assistance.
Adult Day Care Center
- What it is: Provides daytime care and supervision for seniors, offering a social and stimulating environment.
- Care Provided: Social activities, meals, assistance with ADLs, transportation, some medical monitoring.
- Amenities: Social areas, activity rooms, dining areas, may offer specialized programs for individuals with dementia.
- Suitable For: Seniors who require social interaction and some level of care during the day, while caregivers are at work or otherwise unavailable.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
- What it is: Provides short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care for individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.
- Care Provided: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, wound care, medication management, assistance with ADLs.
- Amenities: Private or semi-private rooms, on-site medical staff, therapy gyms, dining facilities.
- Suitable For: Individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery who require intensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Residential Care Facility
- What it is: A broad term encompassing various levels of care, from assisted living to more intensive care settings.
- Care Provided: Varies depending on the specific facility, may include assistance with ADLs, medication management, meals, and social activities.
- Amenities: Varies depending on the facility, may include private or shared rooms, common areas, dining facilities.
- Suitable For: Seniors who require varying levels of care and support, depending on their individual needs.
Rehabilitation Center
- What it is: Provides intensive therapy services to help individuals recover from illness, injury, or surgery.
- Care Provided: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, often in an inpatient setting.
- Amenities: Private or semi-private rooms, therapy gyms, on-site medical staff, dining facilities.
- Suitable For: Individuals who require intensive rehabilitation services to regain their independence and function.
Home Care
- What it is: Provides care and support services in the individual’s own home.
- Care Provided: Assistance with ADLs, skilled nursing care, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation.
- Amenities: Provided in the individual’s home, allowing them to maintain their independence and familiar surroundings.
- Suitable For: Seniors who prefer to remain in their own homes but require assistance with daily living.
Respite Care Home
- What it is: Provides temporary care for seniors, giving caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
- Care Provided: Assistance with ADLs, meals, supervision, social activities.
- Amenities: Home-like setting, often in a private residence.
- Suitable For: Caregivers who need temporary relief from their caregiving duties.
Group Home
- What it is: A small residential setting for individuals with disabilities, providing a supportive and structured living environment.
- Care Provided: Assistance with ADLs, medication management, social and recreational activities, 24/7 supervision.
- Amenities: Shared living spaces, common areas, often located in residential neighborhoods.
- Suitable For: Individuals with disabilities who require a supportive and structured living environment.