Choosing Your Level of Senior Care

Choosing appropriate senior care starts with knowing your loved one well and getting in tune with her daily needs, activities and struggles. This will help you find a living situation that meets his needs and suits her preferences. Next, browse over the levels of senior care listed below to determine whether she would be best served in an assisted living residence, a nursing home, or a continuing care retirement community.

Senior Care Option #1: Assisted Living Residence

Assisted living residences offer care to aging individuals who need help with some activities of daily living (ADLs), but whose medical conditions do not require consistent, daily medical care. As the body ages, it becomes harder for the elderly to perform daily tasks safely. Activities such as dressing, bathing and preparing meals can become difficult, dangerous or frustrating. When your loved one starts neglecting or struggling with some aspects of daily well-being, it’s time to start researching senior care at an assisted living residence.

Senior Care Option #2: Nursing Home

Nursing homes offer an additional level of senior care for your loved one. They staff certified nurses or licensed practical nurses 24 hours a day so that residents have access to continual medical care. Because of more stringent government oversight, they often look more hospital-like than assisted living residences (which come in a variety of sizes and settings). But those seniors who require more assistance and physician oversight appreciate the care they find in a good nursing home. If your loved one suffers from advancing cognitive impairment (dementia or Alzheimer’s disease), a nursing home with a memory care unit may be the best place for her.

Senior Care Option #3: Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

Whatever stage your loved one is in, a CCRC is a great option for socially active seniors who prefer to live in a single setting for the remainder of their lives. CCRCs often have multiple housing options, including active living homes, assisted living residences and skilled nursing facilities. If both of your parents are interested in finding a senior care option, but they have different levels of needs, a continuing care retirement community may be a good option for them.

Choosing Your Senior Care Option

Which of the above senior care options sounded best for your loved one? All Assisted Living Homes specializes in information about assisted living residences, but our elder care advisors are knowledgeable about all levels of senior care. If you are having trouble deciding which type of care to pursue, simply call the toll-free number at the top of the page and an elder care advisor will assist you personally, free of charge.