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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How to Choose a Nursing Home
Finding the right nursing home is a very overwhelming prospect. One of the best ways to understand the differences between different homes is a personal visit.
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What Is A Not-For-Profit Nursing Home?
Not-for-profit nursing homes exist solely to serve the unmet needs of the elderly in society. They spring from a diverse heritage of religious, fraternal, and civic sponsoring entities and local units of government. Despite this diversity, not-for-profit nursing homes share a common benevolent purpose, and are committed to a ministry of service, care, and community benefit.

Positive Characteristics To Observe Directly

• Staff members interact with residents with respect and care.
• Residents are well-groomed and dressed for the season and time of day.
• Residents are involved in meaningful activities.
• Noise levels fit with the time of day and activities.
• Meals are appetizing and served attractively. Alternative choices are provided for religious preferences as well as likes and dislikes.
• The inside and outside of the home are clean and in good repair.
• Outdoor areas are available and safe for resident use.
• There are accommodations for special needs, such as grab bars, ramps, and phones for the hearing impaired.
• Safety precautions are evident, such as wet floor signs, good lighting, and lack of clutter in resident traffic areas, rooms and hallways.
• The home is free of persistent unpleasant odors.
• Toilets are convenient to bedrooms.
• Most residents have personal items in their rooms.
• Furnishings in resident rooms and common areas are pleasant and functional.
• Storage areas are within easy reach in resident rooms.
• There are private areas for residents to see visitors and doctors.
• The home has a good reputation in the community.
• The home is located conveniently for family and friends to visit.
• The community is “home-like” and inviting.

Questions To Ask Staff

• Does the home provide the kind of care specifically required by the prospective resident?
• Under what circumstances would they no longer be able to provide care?
• How are residents and family members involved in planning resident care?
• Does the doctor/dentist come to the home?
• How is medical/dental transportation handled?
• What is the home’s policy on use of restraints?
• How is the community involved in the life of the home and its residents?
• How are resident/family concerns handled?
• What programs are present to allow residents maximum choice in their daily lives?
Documents to Request and Review
• Resident activities for the week or month -
• Are there a variety of activities offered? Are activities of interest to the prospective resident?
• Menu for the week or month - Are meals varied and appetizing? Are residents given choices?
• Daily rates and a list of services included.
• Charges for services not included in daily rates.
• A list of references.

How to Select a Special Care Unit
A Consumer's Guide to Special Care Units for Persons with Dementia.