Compare Levels of Care

Assisted Living

• Provides a combination of housing, personalized support services and health care for those seniors who need assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL’s) but do not require advanced medical care.

Residential Care

• May also be referred to as Assisted Living but most often called “board and care” facilities. Referred to by the state as Residential Care for Elderly (RCFE). Usually single family homes licensed to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and medications. They also provide for laundry, housekeeping, and other personal care needs.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia

• May be cared for at the Assisted Living or Residential Care level. Many facilities have special training for this issue. There is a growing trend for facilities to specialize in this disease. Specially trained professional staff are skilled in optimizing functioning and handling the behavior associated with memory impairment.

Nursing Centers

• Facilities licensed to provide skilled medical care for more serious care conditions by nurses and doctors. Short term stays for rehabilitation or recuperation often lead to another care placement option for long term needs.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

• Offers a long term care contract that provides for a combination of services as needed: independent living, assisted living, and nursing care. Provides assistance for activities of daily living as needed.

Adult Day Services

• Community based programs provide supervision, nutrition assistance and social opportunities to functionally and/or cognitively impaired seniors. Some programs provide nursing or rehabilitation services.

Home Care Services

• A cost effective alternative which may keep a Senior in their home if the situation permits. Services may include: health care, personal care, assistance with meals, shopping, laundry, and housekeeping. These services are rendered in any combination of hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly visits.

Retirement or Congregate Living

• Specifically designed for independent seniors in apartment style living providing 24 hour supervision. Meals, housekeeping and laundry are provided or optional. Activities are interesting and educational and purpose to foster a great sense of community among residents.

Senior Apartments

• Age restricted starting at 55 or 62 years of age. Independent living that may have some meal availability and housekeeping for a separate cost. Many include amenities such as a beauty/barber shop, fitness center, library, club meeting room and some transportation.