HOW TO CHOOSE A SENIOR HOUSING FACILITY
This easy-to-understand table will help you understand what type of Senior housing may best suit your needs and budget.
Independent / Retirement LivingNon-Medical Facility |
Assisted Living / Board & Care(Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly)Non-Medical Facility |
Memory Care(Alzheimer’s, Dementia)Non-Medical, Secure Facility |
Nursing Home(Skilled Nursing Facility)Medical Facility | |
Care Level | Self-sufficient | May Need Assistance | Assistance Must Be Available | Constant Care |
Type of Setting | Retirement Communities or Homes | Multi-unit Facilities or Single Family Homes | Multi-unit Facilities or Single Family Homes | Health Care Centers |
Lifestyle Services | – Private or shared room – Meals – Housekeeping/Laundry Services – Activity programs, on and off-site – Own or Arranged transportation | – Private or shared room – Hygiene/Bathing/Toileting – Dressing – Meals – Housekeeping/Laundry Services – Supervision – Activity programs – Arranged transportation | – Private or shared room – Hygiene/Bathing/Toileting – Dressing – Meals – Housekeeping/Laundry Services – Supervision – Activity programs – Arranged transportation | – Private or shared room – Hygiene/Bathing/Toileting – Dressing – Meals – Housekeeping/Laundry Services – Supervision – Activity programs – Arranged transportation |
Medical Services | – No requirement for medical staff – Personal arrangements | – No requirement for medical staff – Arranges incidental medical care – Medication management and treatment of some conditions may be allowed – Memory care if licensed | – Trained memory care staff – Arranges incidental medical care – Medication management and treatment of some conditions may be allowed | – 24 hour monitoring – Medical and physical therapy services under supervision of an on premises MD, RN or LVN – Memory care if licensed |
Cost | Can be less costly than Assisted Living and Memory or Nursing Care. Costs very depending on location, type of setting, services and level of care. | More costly than Independent Living, less than Memory or Nursing Care. Costs vary depending on location, type of room, services and level of care. | Normally more costly than Independent or Assisted Living, less than Nursing care. Costs vary depending on location, type of room, services and level of care. | Most costly living facility. Costs vary depending on location, type of room, services and level of care. |
