|  | Healthcare Industry | Elderly Care

Types of Long-Term Care & Nursing Homes

Seniors in need of personal or daily medical care have a variety of live-in facilities they can choose from. Whether they want to live independently and take advantage of some extra help or are suffering from an illness that requires short- or long term medical care, seniors are likely to find a living arrangement that they can feel comfortable in. The following is a list of some of the basic types of long term care and nursing homes that are available today.

  1. Assisted Living Facility

    • Seniors who don't need medical attention can consider staying in an assisted living facility. Seniors in this type of facility may only need personal care such as help with medication checks or getting dressed. Additional services are available including laundry and meal preparation. These facilities are similar to apartments where seniors will have the opportunity to remain independent while still being looked after by caretakers on a daily basis.

    Independent Living Apartment

    • Independent living apartments are similar to retirement communities and senior apartments because residents are able to live independently among other seniors their age. Some of these apartments offer services such as housekeeping and transportation to their residents. Depending on the size of the facility, residents may also be able to enjoy swimming, outdoor activities or social events. Since medical and personal care is not provided to residents, seniors with very little or no health care needs are best suited to live in these types of facilities.

    Continuing Care Retirement Community

    • Also known as a Life Care Community, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) provides a variety of services and living arrangements for seniors depending on the care they need. Seniors can transition from independent living to a nursing home within the same facility. They also have the option of staying in nursing care for a certain period of time until their health improves then moving back to independent living. Seniors are often required to pay a substantial entry fee and sign a contract upon entering this type of facility.

    Skilled Nursing Home

    • Most skilled nursing homes or facilities are often referred to as nursing homes because they offer basic nursing care to seniors including medical and personal care. Skilled nursing homes are ideal places for seniors suffering from medical or mental conditions to live in because medical staff is available around the clock to provide a variety of medical services. Personal care is also provided including help with grooming or bathing. Unlike some of the other types of facilities, Medicare may pay for some of the costs of a skilled nursing home if it is needed after a hospital stay.

Elderly Care - Related Articles