One of the most difficult things about choosing the right care for your loved one is that there are so many options available. We have gathered some general information and guidelines for you to consider as a first step.

The most common care choices, along with a few tips to consider when making decisions, are provided below.

Home Health Care: 

Generally called in when a person’s needs include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and a limited amount of help with showering and daily living activities. 

When a person over 65 is discharged from rehab or a hospital, discharge planners set these services in motion.

Services are limited in the number of hours per day, week, or month depending on whether you have long-term care insurance or are relying on a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare alone. 

Medicare requires a prescription from the primary care doctor before approving home health care services. 

Living Assistance/Home Care: 

Personal home care provides support for personal care and daily tasks and activities at home and in the community. Home care is provided by certified home health aides and can range from care for active seniors in need of a little support to a total care client.

Adult Day Care: 

The type of Adult Day Care available depends on where you live, and there are many options. Some are financially needs-based and are paid for by Medicaid. Others can be paid for by LTC policies, and some are pay-as-you-go. When selecting Adult Day Care:

• Visit locations before meeting with the director/management. 
• Go at various times to observe how people are spending their time.
• Understand the ratio of staff to adults, if they supply transportation, if people speak the language your loved one speaks, and how clean the common areas and restrooms are.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): 

Includes independent living and assisted living with access to residential amenities through nursing care services.

Most CCRC’s require a large upfront cost, and individuals must be independent when they move in.

Move-in age can be as young as 65, but it has risen into the 80’s as people are living longer.

Assisted Living: 

For elderly or disabled individuals who cannot or choose not to live on their own. Residences offer various levels of personal care in accommodations including shared rooms, studios, and apartments.

Residents select services required from a basic menu format, and prices vary across the country. 

Staffing is key. To be more profitable, some assisted living companies staff to the bare minimum. In addition, the COVID pandemic along with the shortage of employees in health care has negatively impacted many facilities. 

Do not judge a facility by how new or how clean it is. Be cautious about glowing online reviews as well.  

Memory Care: 

Many facilities and companies in the assisted living and nursing home industry have added memory care areas in their facilities. ​

Scrutinize memory care services and promises as outlined above.

It is important to determine if the facility has the staffing and skills to provide the level of care needed when your loved one is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s.

Families often bring in private home care agencies to assist. 

Nursing Home: 

For those who don’t need to be hospitalized but require more advanced care than an assisted living facility offers. Nursing homes typically provide meals, daily hygiene, and medical care, as well as social activities for the residents.

A stay can be for rehabilitation or long-term care.

Some nursing homes are strictly Medicaid; others are private pay with a limited number of Medicaid beds.

When considering a nursing home for long-term care, it is important to understand staffing ratios, statistics on COVID deaths, and negative online reviews. 

Need help to understand your healthcare options? Visit our Resources page or contact us.