Understanding Senior Care Types & Service Options

A nursing home or skilled nursing facility is a residential option for elder care that can occur on a short-term or long-term basis, as well as following an illness or hospitalization. Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care for older adults with serious health needs or chronic conditions. They typically have medical professionals available at all times to help with activities of daily living, rehabilitation therapies, and medical monitoring. Nursing home care is sometimes costly but can provide a safe and comfortable living situation for some older adults. To learn more, check out our guide to nursing home care.

There are two types of home-based care available to seniors. In-home care provides non-medical assistance and companionship, while home health care covers medical assistance such as skilled nursing services, pain management, and rehabilitation therapies. Either service may include help with activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, dressing, and toileting. Licensed health professionals, such as nurses and therapists, generally deliver home health care. Typically, it occurs on a short-term basis, following a hospital stay or illness. Visit our guide to in-home care to learn about available options.

Assisted living best suits older adults who need help with things like bathing, toileting, or eating, but don't require round-the-clock medical care. Assisted living residents generally live in apartments or private rooms, maintaining as much independence as possible. Nursing homes provide medical supervision 24/7, making them more appropriate for those with serious health concerns. Residents may live in private or shared rooms, with ready access to medical professionals at all times. Want to break it down further? Our guide to assisted living vs. nursing homes has the details.

A caregiver provides the support needed for your loved one to manage in their home. To find the best provider for your needs, make a list of the required tasks, such as  medicine management or help with activities of daily living. A licensed home care agency can screen candidates and ensure they have proper training. These agencies also handle background checks, payroll, and more. If you're hiring on your own, be sure to check references and certifications. Check out our guide to hiring an in-home caregiver for step-by-step directions.

To find a live-in caregiver, start by creating a list of your needs. Based on your list, write a job description and explore reputable sources for qualified caregivers to find potential candidates. Sources may include licensed home care agencies, senior care resources such as local Area Agencies on Aging, or even social media sources. Conduct interviews with likely candidates, and always check references and certifications. Our guide to hiring an in-home caregiver offers detailed step-by-step instructions to help you choose the right caregiver for your loved one.

Health care positions are in high demand in the U.S., including roles that help older adults thrive in residential settings. To become a home health aide, you will generally need to complete formal training leading to state certification, especially if you plan to work with Medicare or Medicaid recipients. Training programs must comprise at least 75 hours and include both classroom and in-service work. A state-regulated competency exam will follow. Our guide to assisted living careers includes more information on these and other similar roles.

Assisted living may be the best option for older adults who don't require round-the-clock medical care but need help with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and/or toileting. Typically, a person qualifies for assisted living if they would benefit from supportive care and social engagement and cannot live safely on their own because of physical or cognitive challenges. Every facility, however, is likely to have its own assessment process to determine whether a candidate is a good fit. Find out more in our guide on assessment for assisted living.

Generally, a person can qualify for a nursing home if they would benefit from round-the-clock medical supervision and care. Examples include limited physical ability, serious chronic conditions, and cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease. Disturbed behavior, such as excessive wandering, may also lead to nursing home admission. Nursing facilities are likely to have specific criteria for admission, and it's normal for a doctor or other medical professional to assess all potential admittees. To learn more, review our guide to nursing home requirements for seniors.

Home health care is supportive medical care provided to older adults in their own homes. Generally, recipients of home health care must be under a doctor's care and need skilled medical services, such as wound care, rehabilitative therapies, skilled nursing, or medical monitoring. In most cases, a doctor must certify that the care is needed and the recipient has limited mobility, making it difficult for them to leave home. Home health care is different from in-home care, which provides non-medical assistance. To learn more, start with our guide on who is eligible for home care services.

If you care for a loved one, you may be able to earn money for your caregiving efforts. In some states, Medicaid recipients can access programs that allow for self-directed care from family members. Senior adults receiving VA benefits may also qualify for Veteran Directed Care and Aid and Attendance, which can help pay caregivers. Our guide to getting paid to take care of a family member offers a state-by-state review of available resources.