Understanding the types of services provided.
The level—or frequency—and type of long-term care services you need will often change gradually over time. For example, early on you may need only occasional help for a few activities of daily living, and may choose to receive that assistance in your own home. Over time, however, you may begin to require more regular assistance and choose to live in an assisted living center.
Whatever your needs, there are an increasing number of long-term care options available for care in the home, in the community, and through facility-based services.
Home-based services
- Home health care typically includes skilled, short-term services, such as nursing, physical therapy, or other therapies ordered by a doctor for a specific condition.
- Personal care services provide help with basic activities such as bathing and dressing.
- Homemaker and chore services include activities such as meal preparation and routine household chores. These are sometimes considered personal care services.
Community-based services
- Adult day service programs provide a variety of health, social, and other support services in a protective setting, typically during normal business hours.
- Meal programs provide meals in group settings or delivered to your home.
- Senior centers provide a variety of social and educational services.
- Transportation services help get you to and from medical appointments, shopping centers, and other destinations.
Facility-based services
- Adult foster care provides a place to live, meals, and 24-hour assistance.
- Board and care homes, also called residential care facilities or group homes, are where residents receive meals, personal care, and other assistance.
- Assisted living centers provide a community setting for those who need some assistance but do not need as much care as provided by a nursing home.
- Continuing care retirement communities allow seniors to remain in the same community setting by providing accommodations designed to meet their health and housing needs, even as these needs change over time.
- Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities provide the greatest level of care with a full range of services.
