<h3>Top Takeaways&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">There are 5 main types of senior living options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Different living options vary in the level of care that is offered and the costs&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Independent Living and Continuing Care Retirement Communities are the best options for older adults who can perform ADLs independently, but want a community and amenities&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Older adults who require some level of assistance with ADLs and/or day-to-day nursing care are better suited for Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Skilled Nursing Care&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you&rsquo;re unsure which is best fit for your loved one, speak to their physician about the options</li>
</ol>
 
<h3>Intro&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
Today&rsquo;s older adults have a variety of options when it comes to senior housing. However, searching for senior living options doesn&rsquo;t have to be overwhelming or frustrating. 
Generally speaking, there are five types of senior living options available:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Independent Living</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Assisted Living</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Memory Care</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Skilled Nursing Facilities</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Continuing Care Retirement Communities</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s important to know the pros, cons, and costs of each one so you can make the best choice for your loved one.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>Independent Living </h3>
Independent living communities are designed as vibrant communities for adults who are looking to downsize their household responsibilities.
&nbsp;
The Pros
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Five-star luxury resort feel</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Multiple floor plan options including apartment homes, villas, or even single-family homes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, spas, onsite restaurants, concierge services, and transportation around town</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Making friends is easy to do by sharing experiences or meals with neighbors daily</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Cons
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In most cases, you will have to downsize at least a little from your current home&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You will likely need to move out of your current neighborhood, which can be difficult for adults who already feel connected to their neighbors and friends</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you need any type of assistance at all, you will need to hire home care services at an out-of-pocket cost</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Who Lives Here?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Independent living residents who are:&nbsp;</li>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Able to perform activities of daily living like bathing and dressing on their own safely</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Seeking to live a maintenance-free and more social lifestyle</li>
</ul>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Cost
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Just like any real estate, independent living communities vary in cost by location as well as by services offered</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The average monthly fee is typically around $2,500-$3,000</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monthly fees cover everything from access to the fitness center and other amenities to the WiFi and utility costs</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Assisted Living </h3>
Assisted living communities are designed to provide additional support and security for adults who need extra help with daily tasks.
&nbsp;
The Pros
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Caregivers are there to provide personalized assistance around the clock, which can help to decrease fall risk or other emergency situations&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Many assisted living communities are quite luxurious as well, featuring multiple dining options, outdoor spaces, and plenty of spots to meet up with new friends</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Cons
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Assisted living communities often do not have nurses available around the clock, which can mean caregivers will still need to dial emergency services in a crisis.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Costs can increase as needs do</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Who Lives Here?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Older adults who are unsafe when performing tasks like showering or bathing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Residents often need some type of assistance with daily tasks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">People who use a wheelchair, walker, or cane</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Cost
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Assisted living communities typically charge a monthly fee that includes nearly all services and amenities</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monthly fees average about $4,000 per month though those can increase as care needs do</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Most assisted living communities do not take Medicare or Medicaid, though you can sometimes find financial assistance via Veterans Aid &amp; Attendance benefits or other local waivers</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Memory Care </h3>
Designed specifically for adults living with Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease or other types of dementia, memory care communities are highly specialized environments.
&nbsp;
The Pros
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Specifically designed to meet challenges that come with dementia</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Secure and safe spaces</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They increase quality of life and self-esteem for residents</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They offer peace of mind to family members</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feature smaller neighborhoods with more staff to help fewer residents, which increases personalized interactions</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Cons
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Memory care communities can be expensive</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Residents who are in the early stages of the disease can feel frightened or out of place when mingling with the other residents there who are often in the middle to late stages of the disease</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Costs might increase as needs do</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Who Lives Here?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Residents in memory care communities have a diagnosis of some type of dementia and cannot safely live at home</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Older adults in the middle to later stages of the disease</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Residents are often confused and might have issues with safety or judgment</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Cost
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Memory care communities charge a monthly fee averaging $5,000 per month.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">This cost covers nearly all services and amenities but might increase as needs do.</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Skilled Nursing </h3>
Formerly known as &ldquo;nursing homes&rdquo;, skilled nursing facilities offer short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term skilled nursing care.
&nbsp;
The Pros
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Skilled nursing communities have around the clock nursing care, which makes it perfect for residents who are living with complex medical conditions or chronic pain</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Onsite therapy services can also speed up recovery after a hospital stay</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Short-term stays are often partially paid for by Medicare after a qualifying hospital stay</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Cons
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Because of its clinical nature, even the most home-like skilled nursing communities can feel more like a hospital</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Loud call light or emergency systems, as well as late night wellness checks can make it difficult to sleep</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It can be expensive if paying for it out-of-pocket</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Who Lives Here?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">There are typically two types of adults who live in skilled nursing: short-term and long-term</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The first is someone who has just left the hospital after a stay or procedure and needs to recover more before returning home safely</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">This person is a short-term stay and spends a lot of time in physical, occupational, or speech therapy sessions before returning home</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The next type is a long-term resident. This person has complex needs or medical considerations that make living at home or in assisted living unsafe or unrealistic</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Cost
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Costs for a private room typically charging an average of $250 per day</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A qualifying hospital stay of at least three nights will allow Medicare coverage to kick in, paying 100% of costs for the first 20 days and then 80% of costs through day 100&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Many skilled nursing communities also accept Medicaid, though they may only have a limited number of beds available for this payment option</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Continuing Care Retirement Communities </h3>
Continuing Care Retirement Communities, now known as Life Plan Communities, offer all four types of senior living all on one expansive campus.
&nbsp;
The Pros
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If care needs change, you won&rsquo;t need to find a new community. You can find all care on one campus</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Large campuses usually include luxury amenities ranging from hiking trails to tennis courts to multiple fitness centers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Residents in different levels of care all have access to campus amenities</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It&rsquo;s easier for couples with different care needs to live together</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Cons
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A large &ldquo;buy-in&rdquo; fee is required, along with monthly fees, which can add up quickly</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It can feel like independent living residents make the majority of the campus decisions and other levels of care can feel left out</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Who Lives Here
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anyone can live in a Life Plan Community, as there is access to all levels of senior care</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Typically, residents move in during the independent living phase of their life and move through the levels as medical needs change</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Cost
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Buy-in communities charge an initial fee based on real estate pricing in the area, which can be as much as $300,000</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monthly fees vary by level of care and are on comparable to nationwide averages</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some nonprofit communities have a benevolent fund which means if the resident runs out of money (through no fault of their own), their care costs are covered by the fund</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The buy-in fee can be given to the estate in some cases</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Next Steps</h3>
If you aren&rsquo;t sure what type of senior living could be best for you or your loved one, talk to the doctor. They will have insight that can guide you in the right direction.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

<span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Haley Burress is a senior care and caregiving expert. She worked in senior care for more than 15 years before she started writing for senior care agencies and professional caregivers full time. She has experience in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care as well as Adult Day services and home care.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:14849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;16&quot;:11}">Haley Burress is a senior care and caregiving expert. She worked in senior care for more than 15 years before she started writing for senior care agencies and professional caregivers full time. She has experience in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care as well as Adult Day services and home care.

What are the Different Senior Living Options

How to Choose A Home For A Senior

If your loved one lives with you, you might wonder how they can stay safe and engaged while you are working outside of the home. Similarly, if your loved one lives at home alone, you might worry they are lonely or unsafe during the majority of the day. Your loved one might not need around-the-clock care at a senior care facility or nursing facility, such as assisted living or a nursing home. You also might not want to pay to bring in a home care caregiver for 8 hours each day. Fortunately, you can look at other care options in your local community, such as adult day care services.
&nbsp;
<h3>What is adult day care?</h3>
&nbsp;
Adult day care services, sometimes called &ldquo;adult day programs&rdquo; or simply &ldquo;adult day services&rdquo; are non-residential options for older adults who could benefit from additional oversight, support, social interaction, and engagement during the day. These services typically include a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as events or programs throughout the day. Family members drop off seniors in the morning and then return to pick them up by the time the day services conclude. It&rsquo;s a wonderful option for seniors who are lonely, unsafe, or could use more support during the day but do not necessarily want to use a caregiver for those 6-10 hours of the day.
It&rsquo;s important to note what types of services your local adult day care provides. Most do not provide extensive skilled medical care, such as wound management, IV medications, or other complex condition management. Instead, most offer verbal or physical assistance with bathroom assistance, medication reminders, and cues with eating and safety.
&nbsp;
<h3>What are the benefits of adult day programs?</h3>
&nbsp;
Seniors who attend adult day programs are supported throughout the day, which helps them be safer and more engaged. They are able to create new connections and practice socialization in a group setting with friends and team members, which can help them feel less lonely.
For family caregivers, an adult day program provides much-needed respite care and peace of mind. Caregivers don&rsquo;t have to worry about their loved one&rsquo;s well-being; they know they are safe and cared for while they are at work, running errands, or simply taking a break.
&nbsp;
<h3>What are the hours?</h3>
&nbsp;
Each adult day care center will set their own operating hours. However, it is most common for these services to run 5 days per week, typically Monday through Friday. Business Hours can begin around 8am or 9am and run until 5pm or 6pm.
&nbsp;
<h3>Who can attend an adult day program?</h3>
&nbsp;
Seniors who attend adult day services vary greatly in abilities and preferences. Typically, programs require that participants can transfer out of a chair safely with a one-person assist (no hoyer lifts). It is also common for an adult day program to require an assessment before determining if a senior can participate.
Adult day care programs serve many different types of adults. Some programs cater specifically to older adults, while others focus on adults living with physical or developmental disabilities. Seniors with memory loss, including Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease or another type of dementia, can be quite successful in adult day programs. However, once the person is no longer safe to themselves or others, the program team will work with family members to find another solution that will ensure everyone is safe and healthy.
&nbsp;
<h3>Are there different types of adult day care?&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
One of the things that makes adult day programs so interesting is that each is quite unique. Each adult day care program has its own rules and policies, which means that while your loved one might not find a good fit at one adult day care, they could find a better match at the program on the other side of town.
Some types of adult day care serve adults with disabilities, while others focus solely on seniors. However, all are monitored and regulated by state public health departments.
&nbsp;
<h3>What services are included?</h3>
&nbsp;
Again, adult day care programs vary from place to place, but most commonly offer team members who are there to assist with the activities of daily living and personal care tasks, including medication reminders. Participants eat breakfast and lunch together, sometimes prepared onsite by team members. Other times, agencies might cater out meals to local businesses or through a local congregate meal program. Team members are there to keep residents safe and engaged, leading fun programs and social activities throughout the day that might include entertainment, games, or create arts workshops.
&nbsp;
<h3>Are the programs regulated in some way?</h3>
&nbsp;
Adult day care centers are regulated by individual state health departments. They must meet certain requirements in order to offer eldercare services as well as to continue offering those services in good standing.
&nbsp;
<h3>How can I find one near me?</h3>
&nbsp;
Many adult day programs are run through local senior service agencies, so starting with your senior services department in your town or village is a wonderful start. Sometimes, adult day programs run out of city senior centers, churches, or even senior living communities. You can also search for adult day programs through your local Area Agency on Aging.
&nbsp;
<h3>How much do adult day cares cost?</h3>
&nbsp;
Genworth&rsquo;s<a href="https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html"> 2020 Cost of Care survey</a> reports that adult day services average about $74 per day, or $1,690 per month. Check to see if the adult day program you are researching allows you to only pay for the days you bring in your loved one or if they require a specific daily commitment.
Typically, Medicare does not pay for adult day care costs. However, Medicaid can provide some assistance with adult day care service costs, typically through a waiver. Individual states can authorize financial assistance through a Home Care Based Services waiver for eligible participants. These waivers will pay the adult day care service providers through Medicaid, greatly offsetting the costs for the seniors and their family members.

A senior care and caregiving expert with 15+ years of experience working in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, independent living, and memory care as well as adult day services and home care.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Adult day care is a non-residential option for older adults who could benefit from additional oversight, support, social interaction, and engagement during the day.

what-is-adult-day-care-and-how-much-does-it-cost- | Ready Set Care

What is Adult Day Care and How Much Does It Cost?

<h4>Top Takeaways</h4>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nursing Homes provide a high level of physical support for people with physical or cognitive challenges.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nursing homes can provide medical care- including but not limited to; insulin support, catheters, and ventilators.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nursing homes are regulated by the state and must follow state guidelines.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nursing homes can be paid for by Medicaid, when an individual is eligible.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Finding the right nursing home can be difficult, but help is available.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Whether you foresee a transition to residential care in the future, or you intend to support someone at home, understanding what your care options are, and what each one provides is important in planning for a loved one&rsquo;s future.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>What Can a Nursing Home Help With?&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, can provide a high level of physical support for older adults, or anyone who may be experiencing physical or cognitive challenges. Nursing homes are staffed 24/7 by medical professionals- certified nurses assistants, nurses, therapists and more.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Upon admission:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The nursing home staff will create a care plan designed to embody all the physical care needs of the new resident.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They will work with the family to understand the new resident&rsquo;s social history and get to know their likes and dislikes.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
What Care is Provided:
Nursing homes provide high levels of skilled nursing care.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy on site as needed by the resident.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Medical Services including:</li>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Wound Dressing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">IV medications</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Tracking Vital Signs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Transfers- including those requiring multiple aides or Hoyer lifts.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Palliative and Hospice care on site, for end of life residents.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The ability to provide nursing care is the primary difference between assisted living facilities, another form of senior living, and receiving home health care, which may be limited in capabilities.
&nbsp;
<h3>Engagement and Activities</h3>
&nbsp;
Additionally, nursing homes provide a range of activities to benefit the residents. Residents are encouraged to participate in group activities. One of the benefits of this type of living is the way it can provide structure and routine for the residents. Well-rounded daily activities as well as structure, can improve quality of life and mental health. Activities include a holistic approach and cover different pillars:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Physical Activities</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cognitive Stimulation</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Socialization</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Emotional Care</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Spiritual Programming</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>Additional Care: Memory Care Neighborhoods</h3>
&nbsp;
Some facilities may have special memory care units within their building. These units have programs designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease or other types of dementia.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Staff are trained in the best approaches for working with this population. They are taught to understand that an individual may be able to complete personal care tasks, but need cueing, rather than hands-on help.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Activities are designed specifically to benefit those with cognitive impairments</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A secured entrance to reduce the risk of wandering and becoming lost.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The goal would be to help the person with Alzheimer&rsquo;s or another form of dementia to embrace their strengths with the support and safety they need.
&nbsp;
<h3>Making the Transition</h3>
&nbsp;
Moving into a nursing home can be a complicated process. Below are a few tips to be prepared for a transition.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Explore in advance if the nursing home has a waitlists. Check out a variety of local options to know which can offer, and which feels like the right fit.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Involve your loved one&rsquo;s physician as they will need to share the medical history to the residence.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Work with an Elder Law Attorney to ensure that all legal and financial documentation is up to date. This includes a will, power of attorney and health care proxy.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It can often be easier to make the transition from the hospital, rather than a home setting. If a hospitalization occurs, this is where your research of options will come in handy.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Some families find it difficult to communicate an upcoming move to their loved one. This occurs especially if they have a cognitive issue, which may impact their ability to know if something is wrong with them. Consider ways that you might present the move to your loved one to make it more tolerable to them. These are referred to as &ldquo;fiblets&rdquo;- white lies to support your loved one with a memory impairment. Below are a few examples:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Say that it is for rehab</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Say repairs are needed on their home</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Frame it as a vague, temporary transition</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be empathetic to your loved one that they want to return home. Place &ldquo;blame&rdquo; on doctors if needed in order to stay on your loved one&rsquo;s team.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>Regulation of Care Facilities</h3>
&nbsp;
Nursing homes must follow specific guidelines to ensure quality care for their residents. These guidelines are established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Regulations include building requirements such as safety plans and structural requirements- specifically when a memory care unit is present. Additional requirements include specific staff to resident ratios, up to date immunizations, robust programming calendars, and accurate, up to date documentation. More recently, as part of the coronavirus pandemic, nursing homes have included vaccination for COVID-19 as one of their regulations for staff. This was implemented by CDC guidelines.
&nbsp;
Nursing home residents must also have access to a Patient Advocate, often referred to as an Ombudsman. If the resident has any concerns about their care, this individual can liaise between the resident and appropriate staff at the facility.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>How Do You Pay for a Nursing Home?</h3>
&nbsp;
Senior care in general is expensive! Unfortunately, while private insurance and Medicare cover short term care, or rehab, they do not cover the cost of long term care ins a skilled nursing facility. This can leave many families feeling stuck and overwhelmed.&nbsp;
Forms of payment for senior care, but most specifically nursing home care include the options below.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Veteran&rsquo;s Services</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Long Term Care Insurance</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hybrid Life Insurance Policies</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Medicaid</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Important Definitions:&nbsp;
Medicare is a government insurance provided to individuals over the age of 65. Medicaid is a government insurance offered to low-income individuals.&nbsp;
Medicaid can be complicated to navigate. Some nursing homes will be able to provide guidance to their residents in applying for Medicaid if they enter as a private pay resident. Alternatively, your local Area Agency on Aging can provide resources for navigating a Medicaid application. The Area Agency on Aging is a nationwide network of elder resources.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re able to do advanced planning, or if your loved one has a complicated financial situation, an Elder Law Attorney can be the most helpful in navigating the world of Medicaid. They are experts in helping you understand disclaimers and conditions of Medicaid.
&nbsp;
<h3>How Do You Find the Right Fit?&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
It can be overwhelming to find the right residence for a family member! One of the best ways to find a place you can trust is through word of mouth. Talk to your personal network about personal experiences. You may be surprised by the number of people who have gone through a similar situation. Connect with your loved one&rsquo;s health care providers for referrals or suggestions. Lastly, there are some professionals who may be available in your community. They might be referred to as Senior Living Advisors or Geriatric Care Managers.&nbsp;
There are also guides available online to provide you with the best questions to ask when you&rsquo;re touring a nursing home.&nbsp;
---
Transitioning to a nursing home can be overwhelming and emotional for a caregiver. Some caregivers may experience grief as they shift away from providing hands on care. Keep in mind that while your role may shift, you will still be the one to advocate for and spend quality time with your loved one.
&nbsp;

A Certified Dementia Practitioner and expert in Gerontology with over a decade of experience in elder care, including home care and senior living.&nbsp;

Understanding what your care options are, and what each one provides is important in planning for a loved one’s future.

what-do-you-need-to-know-about-nursing-homes | Ready Set Care

What Do You Need to Know About Nursing Homes

Everything you need to know about caring for someone and providing housing that meets their needs, all in one place. Start reading today!

Housing

What are the Different Senior Living Options

How to Choose A Home For A Senior

What is Adult Day Care and How Much Does It Cost?

What Do You Need to Know About Nursing Homes