There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to senior care. The right choice depends on a person’s health, safety, preferences and the support around them. This guide walks through the main options, from aging in place to 24-hour nursing care.
Quick takeaways
- Senior care ranges from support at home to 24-hour nursing care.
- The right option depends on health needs, safety, personal preferences and family support.
- Needs often change over time, so it helps to understand all the levels of care.
- Short-term rehab can be a bridge between the hospital and home.
Aging in place
Many people prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Aging in place can work well with the right support, such as home safety changes, family help, meal delivery and in-home care. Our fall prevention checklist is a good place to start making a home safer.
Good fit for: people who are mostly independent and have a safe home and a support network.
In-home care and adult day programs
Home care aides can help with bathing, dressing, meals and companionship, while home health services provide nursing and therapy at home. Adult day programs offer daytime activities, meals and supervision. Both can also give family caregivers a break. Learn more in our guide to respite care.
Independent living
Independent living communities offer private apartments, meals, activities and maintenance-free living for active older adults who do not need daily care.
Assisted living
Assisted living offers a home-like setting with help with daily activities, medication reminders, meals and social activities. It suits people who need some help each day but not round-the-clock nursing care.
The best care setting is the one that fits the person today and can adapt as their needs change.
Short-term rehab
After a hospital stay, short-term rehab in a skilled nursing facility provides daily therapy and nursing care to help people get strong enough to return home. Our guide to subacute rehab explains what to expect.
Skilled nursing and long-term care
Nursing facilities provide 24-hour nursing care, medical oversight, help with daily activities, meals and activities. This is the right fit for people with complex health needs or who can no longer live safely on their own. See what is long-term care? for more.
Continuing care retirement communities
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) bring several levels of care together on one campus, so residents can move from independent living to assisted living or nursing care as their needs change.
How to decide
- Talk with the doctor about current health and safety needs.
- Be honest about daily life. Are meals, medications and bathing being managed safely?
- Consider the caregiver. Is the current level of family support sustainable?
- Visit and ask questions. Our guide to choosing a nursing home in Baltimore includes a list of questions to bring.
Frequently asked questions
What are the levels of care for seniors?
Common levels include independent living, in-home care, adult day programs, assisted living, short-term rehab, skilled nursing and long-term care, and memory care. Each offers a different amount of support.
What is the difference between a nursing home and assisted living?
Assisted living offers help with daily activities in a residential setting for people who do not need round-the-clock nursing. A nursing home, or skilled nursing facility, provides 24-hour nursing care and medical oversight.
What is aging in place?
Aging in place means continuing to live in your own home as you get older, often with home modifications, family support or in-home care services.
What is a continuing care retirement community?
A continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, offers several levels of care on one campus, from independent living to assisted living and nursing care, so residents can move between levels as needs change.
How do I know which level of care is right?
Start with a conversation with the person’s doctor about their health, safety and daily needs. Consider what help is available at home, and visit a few settings to see what feels right.
This article is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules can change, so confirm details with Medicare, your plan or your care team.
