Available Services for Elders
There is a wide range of services and housing options available for those in need of extra care. For example, an elderly person could live at home and take part in an adult day care program for an extended period of time, then move to an assisted living facility, and later transfer to a nursing home. The spectrum of care maximizes independence for as long as possible and allows for easier, more gradual adjustments. Click on the link to learn more about each service area.
Home and Community-Based Services
Like most older people, you may want to live in your own home. But you may also need help and support in order to stay there. Home and community-based services can help you with personal care (help with things like bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, and more) or chores.
Senior Housing
You may want to think about senior housing if you want to live on your own, but do not want to have all the chores that go along with owning a single-family house.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, provide many different types of services - skilled nursing, assisted living, and/or independent living - all in one location, which gives you the chance to stay in one place as your needs change.
Assisted Living
If you need some help every day but do not need constant nursing care, assisted living may be a good choice for you. Assisted living residences provide help with the things people need to do every day, such as bathing or getting dressed, taking your medicine, cooking, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, and getting around. But they do all of this while still giving you the chance to stay active and control your own life.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes offer round-the-clock care if someone is too sick to live on their own, or if they need to recover after having an illness or operation.
Additional Resources
KDOA's Explore your Options Directory of Services Updated 2009
Consumer's Guide to Quality Aging Services
A Consumer's Guide to Special Care Units for Persons with Dementia
Making the Retirement Community Decision
Program for the All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
