Types of Senior Care

Home care is a great option for temporary or intermittent needs. Licensed caregivers can provide physical and medical care after surgeries, periodically throughout the week or to provide a rest for an older adult caring for a spouse. They can also provide visits medication and apparatus management. Home Health Aids can provide personal care, like shower assistance, continence management and other personal care. Home companions can provide meals, companionship and transportation. Pricing can vary but will start around $17/hour for non-medical care through a reputable company that performs background checks, training and supervision. Care is available as need or can live in the home. The time of day, number of hours per day and number of days per week will all impact pricing. Nurses are typically on call 24/7 through the office.

Day care is a great option for those who can take their loved one out of the home to enjoy activities, personal care, medication monitory and supervision while the caregiver works or attends to other business. Day care is offered as needed or on a regular schedule. Pricing can range from about $40-$100/day depending on care involved, frequency and scope of activities. Clients usually need to be picked up by family by as early as 3 PM or as late as 6 PM depending on the facility. Licensed nurses are typically on site or on call.

Independent living communities and Senior apartments are great for individuals who can manage most of their own needs and are able to request help as needed. Independent Living communities provide meals, transportation, a wide range of activities for seniors and full size apartments for living. Services will vary as will cost. Apartments can start under $1000/month and run as high as $4000 or more for large 2 bedroom apartments or villas, with full service dining, utilities, and amenities like a pool, store, physical therapy and workout room. Most can offer limited subcontracted assistance with personal care or medication management but do not have healthcare staff on site 24/7.

Assisted Living. If your loved one needs social opportunity but also needs some support or medical care available, assisted living is a good choice. Nurses are often on site 7 days/week and on call when not in the building. Medication techs and nurse aides are on site 24/7. Meals, utilities, activities and communication with your loved ones doctors are standard. Assisted Living will generally start just under $3000/month for a private room. Costs increase based on the amount of care needed and the size of the apartment, plus the location and amenities of the community. The average cost for someone who needs medications administered, assistance with bathing and assistance with dressing can be about $4000/month but pricing can vary widely. Some communities accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, others will not. Some will offer specialized dementia care, catheter care and oxygen. On site nurses will vary from community to community, as well. Many will be able to accommodate a high level of care as needs increase but others will focus on more active residents. Community sizes can range from a small group of residents to well over 100. Secure areas are provided for advanced dementia by some. Some provide physician visits on site and others transport residents to their own health care providers.