Alzheimer’s or Memory Care

In this secure setting, unlike Assisted Living you aren’t behind a closed door but typically engaging in activities outside of your own studio apartment. There are communities focused only on memory care and memory care in more of a continuum of care setting. Care-to-resident ratios are improved over Assisted Living and average 1 to 6-8 typically during the day/evening.

Independent Living

This option is for those who are “independent” and often still driving. They can care for themselves, have a full kitchen and make their own meals. Here, they have access to “services” vs. “care” —and perhaps a restaurant for meals and transportation as needed for shopping and outings, etc.

Assisted Living

These senior living rental apartments offer both “services” and “care.” An RN is required to complete a health assessment before you move in. You may not need caregivers coming to your apartment, however, if you had a fall, they would assist you as they know your health history. Care levels can be very high in some options and, as an alternative to a nursing home, this can often feel like a homier approach.

Nursing Homes

Also called skilled care, this is often the option that comes after a hospital stay. This can be an appropriate, long-term option if needs are medically complex or if resources to pay for care are quite limited and Medicaid will be needed in less than a year.

Residential Care

These communities are licensed as in Assisted Living, but the care is provided in a residential home. This option has the best care-to-resident ratio typically with 2 staff for 6 during the day and evening and 1 awake staff overnight. This option carries a higher cost due to the higher staffing ratios.