Maybe it’s time for Caregiving or maybe you are planning ahead. Either way, there are many options. Just as there are many Types of Caregivers, there are also many types of caregiving. 

Below we break down different Caregiving options to help you determine which is best for your loved one and your/their circumstances.

Independent Living

Independent Living can be in-home or setup in a community specific to seniors that provides all the benefits of being in your own home, without the worry of maintenance, chores or even cooking.

In-Home Care

In-home care takes place at home. It may be care provided by loved ones, family, friends, neighbors or professional caregivers. In-home care typically includes assistance with day-to-day tasks such as bathing, walking or cooking.

Adult Day Care

Adult day care or “adult day service” offers part- or full-time care in a group setting. Adult day care is an appropriate choice for those who are unable to stay at home alone, even for short periods.

Short Term Respite Care

Short-term respite care is often suggested for seniors who are recovering from a hospital visit, fall, surgery or other health circumstance, but is also available for caregiver vacations, senior living trial periods or any other reason. Respite care can take place at home or at a center, such as an adult day care center or Skilled Nursing Care center.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is designed for older adults who value their independence, but need some assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, transportation, and reminders to take medication. Assisted living facilities vary greatly in how many residents can live there and can range from a private room or an apartment to a multi-unit facility. In general, they promote self-sufficiency and are designed to offer residents a high level of independence.

Skilled Nursing

A skilled nursing facility is also known as a nursing home. Skilled nursing homes provide typical senior living services, with the addition of a high level of medical care, typically found in a hospital setting. They offer 24-hour staffing to provide comprehensive services to those requiring a greater level of care than that offered by assisted living facilities. All Skilled Nursing Care centers require the professional skills of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Memory Care

Although assisted living communities may have memory care units on the premises, the two types of care are not synonymous. Memory care is a distinct form of long-term skilled nursing that specifically caters to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other types of memory problems. Also called special care units (SCUs), memory care units usually provide 24-hour supervised care within a separate wing or floor of a residential facility. The physical layout and security of memory care wards is designed to better suit Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, so that wandering behavior is minimized and the environment is pleasant and easy to navigate. Often the daily activities are designed specially to allow the individual to reconnect with favorite hobbies or interests. Memory care is specialized skilled nursing distinct from assisted living and care costs are generally higher at these communities, even if the memory care unit is part of an assisted living facility.

Hospice Care

Hospice care offers comfort and support to those nearing the end of life. Hospice is a care philosophy focused on reducing suffering rather than curing a condition. Hospice addresses physical, spiritual, social and emotional needs of dying individuals and loved ones. Hospice care can include pain medication, therapy or counseling.