The senior years can be a bewildering time. After being self-sufficient for decades, many seniors suddenly find themselves needing help, and many seniors have no idea where to turn. But with the right information and a little legwork, finding the right elderly assistance can be a lot less stressful.

Residential Elderly Assistance

Independent living:Senior communities for individuals who are capable of living on their own but prefer to live in the company of their peers. Some independent living communities offer housekeeping services, others feature extensive social programming, and still others resemble vacation resorts.

Assisted living: Provides personal care, meals, and housekeeping for seniors who need help with some activities of daily living, like grooming, getting in and out of bed, eating, etc. Not appropriate for seniors with daily medical care needs.

Nursing homes: Attends to seniors' personal and medical care.

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.

What to know about residential elderly assistance

1. How pricing works. Some independent living communities collect monthly rent, while others require you to purchase a unit and pay monthly membership fees. Some assisted living and nursing homes charge a monthly flat fee; others charge a lower monthly fee and add on charges depending on the level of personal care required.

2. How well the facility is laid-out. In addition to checking obvious safety features like sprinkler systems, call buttons, and grab bars, you should also consider how walkable facilities are. Are common areas and dining halls centrally located? Is there accessible outdoor space with shade and benches for resting?

3. What the atmosphere is like. When you visit residential facilities, talk to staff and residents. Ask about what they like and wish they could change about the facility. Ask residents about their typical day and the sorts of activities they participate in.

In-home Elderly Assistance

Medical homecare: Often used by seniors recovering from an illness or operation who don't want to recuperate in a nursing home. Nurses, physical and occupational therapists make house calls to attend to medical needs.

Non-medical homecare: Service providers see to personal care, housekeeping, and companionship needs. This type of elderly assistance can be hired for a few hours a week up to full-time.

Concierge services: A concierge service will do the legwork to connect seniors to needed services such as meal services, house-calling doctors, and repair services. Ideal for seniors who want to remain at home and don't need daily personal care.

What to know about in-home elderly assistance:

1. How you'll be charged. Does the homecare agency charge by the hour only, or do you also pay an administrative fee? If you're receiving medical homecare, does the cost cover medical equipment and supplies that you may need? Does the concierge service charge per call, work on a subscription basis, or charge a monthly fee?

2. How reliable the providers are. You want to be assured that your help will be there when you need it. If you're using an agency, ask if they guarantee back-up providers in case of illness or a no-show.

3. How reporting works. Quality homecare providers should give family members regular updates on their loved one's activities, medication compliance, and physical and emotional well-being.