Choosing the Right Facility

Choosing the right home for a loved one is a challenge. Simply understanding the different levels of senior care can be overwhelming! We are here to help. Check out our descriptions of different facility types.

Or if you know just what you’re looking for, try our home search. We have detailed information on over 3,000 care providers.

Board & Care / Residential

In a Board and Care setting, a person can get the assistance they need in an environment that most closely resembles their own home. Board and Care or Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly are typically in private homes located in residential neighborhoods.

Read more about Board & Care Residential Facilities.

Assisted Living

If you do not require the comprehensive medical services of a nursing home but need more custodial or personal care than can be provided at a retirement community or with In-Home care, an Assisted Living Facility could be right for you. Assisted Living facilities provide support services for senior’s who have some difficulty with activities of daily living such as moving around, getting dressed, showering, and getting to the doctor, but who also want to maintain a certain level of independence.

Read more about Assisted Living Communities.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care

As a person ages, a certain amount of memory loss and confusion is quite normal. Most Board and Care and Assisted Living Facilities are willing and capable to handle this aspect of a senior’s aging process. If, however, a senior becomes increasingly disoriented, perhaps even occasionally wandering away, he/she may require a facility with a Dementia Waiver. This is an additional level of licensing where the Administrators and staff would have appropriate training.

Read more about Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care.

Skilled Nursing

Nursing Homes are state licensed facilities with registered nurses that provide skilled nursing care for persons who need moderate to severe medical services. Most nursing homes offer both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.

Read more about Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Veterans Care

The State of California has 6 Veterans homes with two future homes on the way, and is still listed as one of two states in “Great Need” for additional veterans homes.

Read more about Veterans Homes.

Continuing Care Community

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a single community or complex that provides a wide range of services. One level might be for fully independent retirees, while another level might include some assisted living care. Skilled nursing and memory care also might be higher levels. These are becoming more and more popular as they can provide what is known as Aging in Place. Rather than move from a retirement community, to a different assisted living community, then perhaps to skilled nursing or memory care, you can stay in the same community and move up to the next level of care.

Still Unsure?

Fill out our free assessment, and a local senior care advisor will contact you and walk you through the process.

For More Information on Levels of Senior Care…