Guide to Elder Care Options

Care management services that help older adults and their families to manage age-related situations are called Elder Care, Aging Care, or Geriatric Care options. Some of the elder care options available in the US include nursing home, assisted living, adult day care, senior communities, and elderly home care. 

Part of determining what elder care solution best fits your needs involves understanding what type of services and support each offers. 

Nursing Home

Nursing homes provide skilled nursing facilities for seniors requiring constant medical care. They have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day. A nursing home is usually a standalone facility. Sometimes it may operate from within a hospital or an assisted living facility.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are a type of senior housing. They provide housing, health care and personal care services to seniors who need assistance. The environment is more independent than a traditional nursing home. They provide many, but not all, of the skilled nursing services provided by a nursing home.

There may be wide variation in the level of care provided by different assisted living facilities. Choose one where your loved one will be most comfortable.

Adult Day Care Center

This is a nonresidential facility. It provides care and companionship to seniors who need care during the day. Staffed with senior caregivers, it helps to delay or prevent institutionalization and encourages socialization among seniors.

Adult day care centers may be standalone. You may also find one in a senior center, nursing facility, church, hospital or school. Costs vary according to the services offered.

Senior Communities

Senior communities, also called retirement communities, are communities with a variety of apartment sizes from studios to large two bedrooms designed to accommodate seniors with few medical problems.

There may be different activities and amenities available, such as a swimming pool, golf course, fitness club, etc.

Home Health Care

This is medical support care delivered right at the home of the senior. The services may include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, medical social services and home health aides. You can hire home health care services from an independent care provider or you can hire them through a home health agency.

Choose the option that suits your requirements best.