7 min read
How to Choose the Right Care Type
A step-by-step guide to determining which level of senior care is needed.
Finding the Right Level of Care
Choosing the right type of senior living is one of the most important decisions families make. This guide will help you assess needs and match them to the appropriate care level.
Step 1: Assess Current Needs
Start by evaluating your loved one's abilities in these areas:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Eating
- Mobility and transferring
- Toileting
- Continence
- Managing medications
- Preparing meals
- Housekeeping
- Managing finances
- Transportation
- Using the phone
Step 2: Consider Health Conditions
Physical Health:- Chronic conditions requiring monitoring
- Mobility limitations
- Fall risk
- Need for physical therapy
- Memory issues
- Confusion or disorientation
- Ability to make decisions
- Wandering tendencies
Step 3: Match Needs to Care Types
Independent Living is right if:- All ADLs can be performed independently
- Some help with IADLs is welcome but not required
- Social engagement and amenities are priorities
- No significant health monitoring needed
- Help needed with 1-3 ADLs
- Medication management required
- Supervision for safety is beneficial
- Cognitive function is mostly intact
- Diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia
- Wandering is a concern
- 24-hour supervision needed
- Structured environment is beneficial
- Skilled nursing care required
- Complex medical needs
- Rehabilitation after surgery/illness
- Unable to perform most ADLs
Step 4: Plan for the Future
Consider how needs might change:
- Many conditions are progressive
- CCRCs allow aging in place
- Some communities offer multiple care levels
- Plan financially for increasing care needs
Step 5: Involve the Senior
Whenever possible, include your loved one in the decision:
- Discuss preferences and concerns
- Visit communities together
- Respect their wishes when safe to do so
- Help them see the benefits of additional support