What are the Different Types of Senior Care?

What are the Different Types of Senior Care?

No two people benefit from the same form of elder care. Some seniors need regular supervision and care, while others just need a little help around the home from time to time. To accommodate the diverse needs of older adults, a wide array of care options were developed.

If you’re already providing care to a loved one, you may be wondering: what are the different types of senior care? You may be struggling with the responsibilities that come with acting as a family caregiver and are looking for additional help. While it’s appealing to pick the first recommendation you get, care options differ greatly and ultimately depend on the needs of your loved one.

You must select the option that works best for your loved one to ensure the best quality of life for both of you. Here are six popular types of senior care to consider for your elderly parent or relative.

1. Home Care

Home care allows seniors to age in place in the comfort of their own homes. This type of care is typically provided by a caregiver who comes to the seniors’ homes to help with activities of daily living, such as personal care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.

Unless you specifically hire a home health aide, home care is entirely non-medical. Caregivers can assist with medication reminders and nothing more.

2. Assisted Living Community

An assisted living community is a residential facility that provides housing and personal care services for seniors. These are individuals who require help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

Assisted living communities usually have staff on-site 24 hours a day to provide support as needed. Seniors typically have their own private apartments or rooms but have access to shared common areas. These might be dining rooms, recreation rooms, and outdoor spaces.

3. Senior Living Facility

Senior living facilities are, in a way, a step down from assisted living facilities. The older adults at senior living facilities may need some assistance with daily tasks, but do not require around-the-clock care. These facilities typically provide housekeeping, laundry, and transportation services.

Elders in a senior living facility typically have their own private apartments or rooms. There are also shared common spaces available for them to partake in social and recreational activities.

4. Nursing Home

Nursing homes are a location where seniors can receive the highest level of medical care and professional assistance. While they can be short-term, most residents have long-term illnesses or injuries that require regular care. Those who need constant supervision and support benefit from 24-hour nursing and medical services.

Seniors may have a private room, but they typically share a space with another person. Similarly to the above options, they have access to shared common areas.

5. Independent Living (Retirement) Communities

On the opposite end of the spectrum, independent living (or retirement) communities are perfect for seniors who have few medical problems. These individuals can care for themselves but want social opportunities, senior-friendly surroundings, transportation options, and other accommodations.

This option is primarily for those who desire to foster stronger social connections.

6. Continued Care Retirement Community

Continued care retirement communities (CCRC) are a bit different from all the above options. These facilities offer a continuum of care. This means that residents have access to all levels of care (independent living, assisted living, and nursing care) in one community. CCRCs typically have staff on-site 24 hours a day to provide assistance and support when needed.

This type of community is ideal for seniors who don’t want to worry about moving if their needs change over time. Seniors in a CCRC typically have their own private apartments or rooms and can access shared common areas as they’d like.

Senior care for your loved one

If you believe your loved one would benefit from home care, we can help. Home Care Powered by AUAF has been a leading provider of non-medical home care for nearly 30 years. Our staff proudly assists with any activities of daily living that your loved one may need, including:

• Personal care
• Medication reminders
• Meal planning
• Light housekeeping
• Errands
• And more

To learn more about how our program can benefit your loved one, call us at 773 -274-9262. If you have already been providing your loved one care and are curious about how to apply for caregiver benefits in Illinois, get in contact with us to learn about our family caregiver program.