There comes a point in time where the support from family, friends, and local community programs may not be enough to care for oneself—especially as age becomes a larger factor in health complications.
Often, elderly people require some type of long-term care, whether it be more hands-on (in a nursing home) or less hands-on (in an assisted living or residential care facility). Prioritizing your healthcare as you age is important to your overall well-being and quality of life.
Residential Care Facilities
Residential care facilities, also called group homes or board and care homes, are small private facilities that usually have around 20 or fewer residents. Rooms at these facilities may be private or shared.
Residents receive personal care and daily meals, and staff is typically available around the clock. Residential care facilities generally lack the capabilities of a nursing staff or specific medical care providers.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are a happy medium between residential care and nursing homes—meant for elderly people who may need help with their daily care. These facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to over 120. Residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas.
Different levels of care are typically offered, allowing residents to select the support they need based on their daily routines. Services often include:
24-hour staffing
Social services
Housekeeping and laundry
Recreation and meals
Help with daily activities
Medication management
Transportation
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, provide a wider range of healthcare and personal services. Their services focus more on medical care than what is typically offered in assisted living.
Common services include:
24-hour supervision
Rehabilitation services (physical, occupational, or speech therapy)
Assistance with daily activities
Meals
Nursing homes are often used when a patient is discharged from the hospital but still requires care during recovery. After a month or two, temporary residents usually return home. However, most nursing home residents are permanent, requiring ongoing care and supervision due to chronic mental or physical conditions.
Decide What’s Best for You or Your Loved Ones
Senior living facilities provide peace of mind for caregivers, family members, and residents. The benefits of long-term care include:
Improved physical and mental health
A healthier and happier well-being for residents
Reduced burden and stress for family caregivers
If you or a loved one struggle with daily activities that impact health and well-being, consider exploring long-term care options.
More Information About Facility-Based Long Term Care:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
📞 800-633-4227 (toll-free)
📞 877-486-2048 (TTY/toll-free)
🌐 https://www.cms.gov
🌐 www.medicare.gov
Eldercare Locator
📞 800-677-1116 (toll-free)
✉️ eldercarelocator@n4a.org
🌐 https://eldercare.acl.gov
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
📞 202-872-0888
✉️ info@n4a.org
🌐 www.n4a.org
