Whether you’re caring for your parents or preparing for your future, senior care is something we will all have to deal with at some point.
Finding the right senior care starts with understanding the different types of care that are available.
In home Care
There are two types of home-based health care that often get confused or used interchangeably. This category, much like others, can be defined by whether the care is custodial or non-custodial (skilled care).
Home care is generally just what it sounds like, assistance with laundry, cooking, and every day household duties. Home care is not provided by a medical professional.
Home health care is provided by someone with medical training. This will include assistance with medical equipment and health monitoring as well as household duties.
Residential Care
While residential care facilities may go by a number of different names they can usually be put into one of four categories.
- Independent Living / Senior Living – homes within a complex that offers transportation, security and recreational activities, but no health care services.
- Assisted Living – residences provide help with activities of daily living including basic health services, recreational and social activities but not skilled nursing care.
- Skilled Nursing Homes – residences with 24/7 care by licensed health professionals including all housekeeping, medical and social needs.
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities – residences that provide a range of care from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing. These are designed to enable seniors with progressively declining health to remain in a single residential location and give healthy seniors the peace of mind that all their future needs are covered.
New types of senior care are being developed every day including social and virtual care. The most important thing when looking into senior care for you or your loved one is to do your research and anticipate needs.
