Learn More About Senior Care Options

Choosing the right care option can feel overwhelming. We simplify the process by helping you understand the differences between each type of senior care.

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Assisted Living (ALF)

What it is

Assisted Living provides housing, meals, supervision, and personal care support for seniors who need help with daily tasks but do not require 24/7 medical care.

Who it’s for

1. Seniors needing help with bathing, dressing, grooming

2. Seniors who forget medications

3. Seniors who are isolated or unsafe living alone

Services include

1. Meals & snacks

2. Medication management

3. Personal care assistance

4. Housekeeping

5. Activities & social engagement

6. Transportation

SICS Guidance

Assisted Living is ideal when families notice increased falls, confusion, or loneliness.

Reference

National Institute on Aging (NIA) — Assisted Living Overview
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living (nia.nih.gov in Bing)

 

Memory Care (MC)

What it is

Memory Care communities offer secure, structured environments designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Who it’s for

1. Seniors with wandering behaviors

2. Seniors with agitation or confusion

3. Seniors needing structured routines

     Services include

1. 24/7 supervision

2. Secure environment

3. Cognitive supportive activities

4. Behavior management

5. Specialized dementia trained staff

SICS Guidance

Memory Care is recommended when safety becomes a concern.

Reference

Alzheimer’s Association — Dementia Care & Safety
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/dementia-care (alz.org in Bing)

 

Residential Care Homes (RCH)

What it is

Small, home-like licensed facilities offering personalized care in intimate settings (typically 6–12 residents).

Who it’s for

1. Seniors who prefer quiet environments

2. Seniors needing more hands-on care

3. Seniors who dislike large facilities

Services include

1. Personal care

2. Home cooked meals

3. Medication assistance

4. 24/7 supervision

SICS Guidance

Best for seniors needing high caregiver attention.

Reference

AARP — Residential Care Homes
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2017/residential-care-homes.html (aarp.org in Bing)

 

Independent Living (IL)

What it is

Apartmentstyle senior communities offering convenience, safety, and social engagement without personal care.

Who it’s for

1. Active seniors

2. Seniors wanting community

3. Seniors wanting maintenance free living

Services include

1. Meals

2. Activities

3. Housekeeping

4. Transportation

SICS Guidance

Ideal for seniors who are independent but want support nearby.

Reference

Administration for Community Living (ACL) — Senior Housing Options
https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/housing (acl.gov in Bing)

 

 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

What it is

Medical facilities providing 24/7 nursing care, rehabilitation, and complex medical support.

Who it’s for

1. Seniors needing wound care

2. Seniors needing IV therapy

3. Seniors needing posthospital rehab

Services include

1. 24/7 nursing

2. Physical, occupational, speech therapy

3. Medication administration

4. Medical monitoring

SICS Guidance

Best for seniors with complex medical needs.

 Reference

Medicare.gov — Nursing Home Care
https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/ (medicare.gov in Bing)

 

Home Health

What it is

Clinical services provided at home (nursing, therapy, rehab).

Who it’s for

1. Seniors recovering from illness

2. Seniors needing shortterm medical support

Services include

1. Skilled nursing

2. Physical therapy

3. Occupational therapy

4. Medication management

 Reference

Medicare.gov — Home Health
https://www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare/ (medicare.gov in Bing)

 

Hospice

What it is

Comfort focused care prioritizing quality of life for individuals with terminal diagnoses.

Who it’s for

1. Seniors needing pain management

2. Seniors needing emotional and spiritual support

     Services include

1. Pain & symptom management

2. Emotional support

3. Spiritual care

4. Family support

 Reference

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
https://www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/ (nhpco.org in Bing)

 

Behavioral Health Homes

What it is

Licensed homes for individuals with psychiatric or behavioral needs.

Who it’s for

1. Adults needing structured mental health support

2. Adults needing medication stabilization

Services include

1. Behavioral support

2. Medication management

3. Structured routines

4. 24/7 supervision

Reference

SAMHSA — Behavioral Health Treatment Services
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment (samhsa.gov in Bing)

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