Senior Care Explained

Seniors seeking extra assistance with managing their daily activities (e.g. self care, meals, medication, transportation, etc.) can turn to one of many agencies and organizations who specialize in the care and support of the aging population. Below are brief descriptions of several of the most commonly available options; an understanding of these types of senior living options will help you make the best decision for your own or your loved ones' care.

In-Home Care
In-home caregivers provide non-medical support for activities of daily living (ADLs) and are generally paid an hourly wage. A caregiver might provide support in areas such as: light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, dressing, bathing/hygiene, medication management and companionship. There are many in-home care agencies in the Bay Area and We Care is happy to provide referrals upon request.

Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility
Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) or “nursing homes” provide a wide range of health and personal care services in a clinical setting. The services offered by a nursing home focus on medical care and typically include nursing, 24-hour supervision and rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational or speech therapy. Admission to a nursing home requires a doctor’s order. Some individuals only stay at a nursing home for a short time, often while in transition following a hospital stay. Others may need to stay in a nursing home indefinitely due to a need for ongoing medical care.

As the services provided by a nursing home are medical in nature, some or all of the cost of the stay may be covered by Medicare or other medical insurance. This coverage generally lasts a set number of days (up to 100), after which a resident will have to pay out of pocket or use other government services (e.g. MediCal) to pay for care.

Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare for a list of Nursing Homes in your area. Medicare provides a curated list of facilities and a rating for each facility.

Senior Living Facilities
Senior living facilities provide non-medical support ranging from fully independent living to extensive supervision and support for individuals experiencing dementia. Because these communities do not provide medical care, health insurance (e.g. Medicare) does not cover the cost of residence.

We Care Senior Living Advisors provides placement consultation for individuals seeking to move into a senior living facility or families looking for the best match for a loved one.

Independent Living
Independent living is for seniors who are seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle, free from the challenges of managing and living in a home. The amenities at these communities vary but typically include one or more meals per day, housekeeping, activities and socialization in a communal setting. These communities are for seniors who are able to manage their own care needs with minimal support or assistance.

Assisted Living
These communities provide “assistance” with activities of daily living including support for bathing and hygiene, medication management, transportation, socialization, and three daily meals in a communal setting. They also include 24-hour caregiving staff who can support many types of chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes). Resident rooms vary from spacious 2+ bedrooms to studios. Every assisted living community has a calendar of activities for residents including movies, lectures, holiday programs, trivia and other engaging entertainment.

Memory Care
For some individuals who carry a diagnosis of dementia, care needs and supervision requirements exceed what can be provided in an assisted living setting. Memory care provides all of the same services as are found in assisted living but with a higher staff to resident ratio. Care staff in these residences typically have specialized backgrounds and training in dementia care and social and enrichment activities are designed to meet the cognitive capabilities of the residents. Memory care facilities are secured to prevent wandering.

Board and Care/Residential Care Home
Board and Care residences typically provide support in a single family home setting. Most homes are licensed for up to six residents and are typically staffed with between one and three caregivers who provide support for all residents. These homes provide assistance with all activities of daily living including three meals per day. The intimate environment of this type of facility can feel much more personal and relaxed compared to a larger, traditional assisted living community.

We Care Senior Living Advisors is happy to answer any further questions that you may have and make referrals to many services and organizations in the community that serve older residents.