These communities may be called residential care facilities, personal care homes, retirement homes, or rest homes. Each state licenses and regulates their version of this option, and each facility can differ widely in what they offer, who they admit, what they cost, etc. “Assisted” living means they have 24/7 support staff for people who don't require skilled nursing care but may have a significant need for assistance with medication management and ADLs. Meals, housekeeping, maintenance, etc are normally provided. Some assisted living facilities also serve people with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. One tip we recommend when you visit assisted living communities to evaluate for your parents: Does the staff look you in the eye and talk directly to you (whether or not they are the ones showing you around)? This indicates that the facility has a people-centered approach, which will reflect the care they provide for your parent. (See a list of facilities in your area)

Memory care is a specific kind of long term care designed specifically for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. You may find these as stand-alone facilities or as units within assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Security of the patient is a high concern in these units, so they are often secured to prevent wandering. Staff members have been specifically trained to deal with patients with dementia, providing stimulating activities and familiar structure as well as medication management and assistance with ADLs. In general, the care level is more thorough than assisted living but not as complete as in a skilled nursing facility. You will likely find a lower staff to patient ratio. It is the quality of interaction between patient and caregiver that sets a memory care unit apart from other options. This may be the most critical criteria you examine when looking for a home for your parent. (See a list of facilities in your area)

These may also be known as adult foster care homes, group homes, or residential care homes. Most states require that these be licensed above a certain number of residents. They are typically located in residential communities and are simply homes that have been adapted to accommodate a small number of older adults, and are often run by the homeowner and an aide. They usually provide meals, assistance with medication management and ADLs, but not skilled nursing care. Board and care homes may be less expensive than traditional assisted living, but have fewer options for both privacy and social activities.

Also called nursing homes, these are long-term care facilities that provide private or semi-private rooms, meals, personal care, nursing care, and medical services. Many nursing homes are also rehabilitation facilities offering therapy (physical, occupational, or speech) or recovery following hospitalization. Most residents have chronic health issues that require skilled nursing care, and/or need assistance with multiple ADLs. Some residents have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia so some facilities will have a secure unit and specialized activities to engage them. Nursing homes are often covered by Medicare for short term rehabilitation (up to 100 days). When Medicaid is available for a low-income senior’s long-term needs, it is most often available for nursing home care or home and community-based services. (See a list of facilities in your area)

Medicare has an excellent tool for comparing nursing homes. Unfortunately, this does not cover assisted living or other facilities, only nursing homes. One tip we recommend when you visit nursing homes to evaluate for your parents: Does the staff look you in the eye and talk directly to you (whether or not they are the ones showing you around)? This indicates that the facility has a people-centered approach, which will reflect the care they provide for your parent.

These apartments are designed for low income older adults who pay a percentage of their income (often about 30%) for rent. These are administrated under HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and are now being coordinated with health and social services for the residents to access.