Choosing the right senior care setting for yourself or for someone you care about can feel overwhelming. It’s a big decision and it’s not just about health and safety. The place you live impacts your routines, independence, quality of life and your sense of home.
You probably have a lot of questions and you might be feeling a range of emotions, from worry and guilt to hope and relief.
Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with a sudden need for care, understanding your options may help make the process a little easier.
What should you consider before choosing a care setting?
“Every older adult is different and has different needs and options can be overwhelming,” said Meghan Anaya, a social worker and director of care coordination with Banner Health. So you’ll need to think about a few factors:
- Medical needs: Does your loved one have a long-term health problem? Are they recovering from a hospital stay? Do they need regular physical therapy?
- Daily support: Do they struggle with mobility or managing their medication? Do they need help getting dressed or bathing? Are they at risk for falling?
- Cognitive health: Do they have memory loss or dementia?
- Location: What senior care options are located close to your loved one’s community, or yours?
- Family support: Can someone help with meals, appointments, caregiving or transportation?
- Finances: What can you or they afford? What will insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cover?
- Legal issues: Are their advance directives, powers of attorney and wills up to date?
Write down your answers and thoughts about these points. They’ll be helpful when you have conversations with other family members, care providers and senior living communities.
What are the most common senior care options?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some options to consider.
In-home care
In-home care may be ideal for older adults who want to stay at home but need help with things like dressing, bathing, meals, cleaning and health monitoring. In-home care may include remote monitoring and telehealth visits.
Pros:
- Live where you want to live and feel most comfortable
- Flexible options for support, from a few hours to around the clock
- More independence
Cons:
- May get expensive, especially if you need 24/7 care
- Family members may still need to provide a lot of support
Independent living
Independent living may be a good choice for active adults who don’t need support every day. These centers often provide social activities, maintenance-free living, meals, housekeeping and transportation.
Pros:
- No home upkeep: You don’t have to maintain your own home or worry about repairs.
- Built-in community so people can socialize and connect with others
Cons:
- Not designed to offer much help with health needs
Assisted living
Adults who need help with daily tasks, medication or safety, but who do not need 24/7 medical care, may do well with the safety, structure and support of an assisted living community. They typically provide meals, social activities, transportation and some medical help.
“Group homes, which are a type of assisted living setting, typically have five to seven residents in private or semi-private rooms and may have a live-in, round-the-clock caregiver available for support,” Anaya said.
Pros:
- Daily support
- Apartment-style living
- Medication management
Cons:
- Not suitable for complex medical needs
- Out-of-pocket costs may be high
Memory care
Memory care centers offer services similar to those in assisted living, but with specialized care for people who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. They offer secure space, structured routines and behavioral support.
Pros:
- Tailored for memory needs
- Secure environment
- Staff trained for dementia
Cons:
- Can be more expensive
- Limited social opportunities outside of the unit
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)
Your loved one may need care in a skilled nursing facility if they require 24/7 medical attention or rehab after illness or surgery. These centers offer medical care, physical therapy, rehab and wound care.
Pros:
- High-level, round-the-clock care
- Licensed nurses, therapists and other health care professionals
Cons:
- More clinical, less social
- May feel less home-like
Adult day programs
These programs can meet the needs of adults who need supervision or want enrichment during the day but live at home. They usually offer meals, activities, personal care, social time and health monitoring.
Pros:
- Respite (breaks) for caregivers
- Socialization and enrichment
Cons:
- Not available in all communities
- Care is daytime only
How do you compare your senior care options?
Once you’ve decided on a type of setting, it’s time to compare your options. Many places offer virtual tours, so that’s a good place to start. When you have several places you’re considering, set up in-person tours. Ask about:
- Staff training and turnover
- Safety practices
- Dining options and meal quality
- Daily routines and activities
- Levels of care
- What’s included in the fees (and what other costs most people pay)
- Emergency procedures
- Communication between staff and families
Review contracts so you know exactly what’s included and expected. Make sure contracts have fair move-in/move-out policies
How can you plan ahead for a smoother transition?
Transitions can be emotional. Planning can help:
- Make sure you (or your loved one) have important documents in place like a medical power of attorney, mental health power of attorney and living will.
- Research options in your area before you need them. That way, you’re not scrambling after a fall, hospital stay or new diagnosis.
- Have a plan in place before a crisis if your loved one has dementia or memory loss.
- Expect that your loved one might resist care. It can help to include them in the process and focus on goals like safety, independence and comfort.
- If you’re a caregiver, you may be facing guilt, grief or burnout. Support groups, counseling or care coordination can help.
What about costs and surprise expenses?
Senior care can be expensive. Anaya said, “Most medical insurance doesn’t pay for the everyday costs of living facilities or caregiver services. Long-term care insurance is a separate thing and can help if you qualify.” Always ask for a full breakdown of fees and covered services and find out what happens if your loved one’s needs change.
Banner Health is here for you
Not sure which kind of care fits best? Reach out to Banner Health for help planning senior care. We can:
- Recommend the right level of care for your loved one
- Help manage transitions from hospital to home or to another facility
- Support families facing dementia, chronic conditions, mobility challenges or sudden changes
