Exploring Different Senior Citizen Services

Finding the right place to go for senior citizen services can be a challenge. You wonder how to find lists of service providers, how much they'll cost, and if there are any subsidized options that would meet your needs as well as private ones. Being informed about your options is the best way to make sure you're getting the senior citizen services that are right for you or a loved one.

Adult day care: This senior citizen service offers a place for seniors to gather for social and recreational programming. Most adult day cares serve nutritious meals and/or snacks, and some even offer therapy services.

Alzheimer's care: Look for specialized Alzheimer's care in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, some of which have designated floors or wings for dementia patients. Freestanding memory care centers also exist.

Assisted living: Housing option that offers personal care, meals, and housekeeping for seniors who need help with some activities of daily living, like dressing, getting in and out of bed, toileting, etc. Not suited for seniors with daily medical care needs.

Community services: Many communities offer senior citizen services like Meals on Wheels or transportation services. Check with your local government for more information.

Independent living:Residential senior communities for individuals who can live on their own but would rather live in the company of a peer group. Some independent living communities offer housekeeping services, others feature extensive social programming, and some offer amenities like pools, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Long-term care insurance: An insurance policy designed to cover the costs of senior citizen services. Typical policies over coverage for assisted living costs, nursing home fees, as well as some homecare. Check with your employer—some companies will subsidize policies, even for employees' parents.

Medical homecare: Nurses make house calls for seniors who need medical services like wound care, surgery follow-up, or home kidney dialysis. Often used by seniors recovering from an illness or operation whose other option is to recuperate in a nursing home. Physical and occupational therapists can also make house calls.

Non-medical homecare: Service providers can see to senior citizen services like personal care, housekeeping, and companionship needs. Comparable to the services provided at an assisted living facility. This elderly service can be hired for anywhere from a few hours a week to full-time; full-time generally costs more than assisted living would.

Nursing home: Housing facility that attends to seniors' personal and medical care. One of the major benefits of nursing homes is that they accept Medicaid.

Respite care: Homecare providers can be hired to give family caretakers a break.