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The Different Types of Elder Care and How to Pick the Right One

Picking a care facility for yourself or a loved one is a complicated process that requires hours of research. While nursing homes are a popular option, they are not the only type of care facility and may not be the best fit for their unique needs. If your elderly loved one requires care in New York, it is up to you to make sure they are going to a place that is a great fit and will treat them with the utmost care and dignity that they deserve. 

Types of Elder Care Facilities and How to Pick the Best Fit

There are several different options for elder care, each with varying levels of assistance and medical treatment. Knowing about these different types, what they offer, and how they function is critical when making care decisions for the senior in your life. 

Independent Living Communities

These facilities offer little to no medical care and allow residents to live freely. Independent living communities aim to ease the burden of daily living without intruding. These communities could be a collection of houses or apartments and offer some services to make senior living more manageable. Some of the services offered may include: 

  • Housekeeping
  • Lawn care and home maintenance
  • Cooking or an on-site restaurant
  • Community events and activities

These facilities are excellent for seniors that are entirely independent but may want help with chores or other day-to-day responsibilities. 

Assisted Living Facilities

A step up from Independent living communities, assisted living facilities provide a higher level of care and are required to have health services on site. Assisted living facilities vary in what they offer, and visiting them is critical for determining the best fit for your loved one. Some services assisted living facilities may provide include:

  • Bathing
  • Meals
  • Dressing 
  • Supervision

These facilities are the right choice for seniors who are mostly independent but would benefit from supervision and help with more intimate tasks.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes)

If your elderly loved one needs 24-hour care, a nursing home may be the best fit. These facilities employ licensed nurses to administer care and provide physical therapy and dietary counseling services. When researching nursing homes, it is crucial to research them thoroughly and make sure they meet the standards of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 5 Star Rating System. This rating system includes standards for health inspections, staffing, and other quality measures. 

Continuous Care Retirement Communities

If you think your loved one’s needs may evolve over time, a continuous care retirement community may be the right fit. Residents of these multi-care level facilities often enter the independent living side of the facility. As your family member ages and their needs increase, they can be moved to assisted living or nursing facilities within the same campus. These facilities are also a good fit for couples, as they can continue living together while receiving different levels of care. 

Partner with a Skilled Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New York

Some instances of nursing home abuse could have been avoided if the seniors had been placed in the correct type of facility for their unique needs. However, regardless of the facility, your elderly loved one deserves a safe space where they are treated with care and respect. If you believe that your family member may have been subject to nursing home abuse, it is essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. 

At Dalli & Marino, our team of award-winning nursing home abuse lawyers is committed to achieving a favorable outcome for your case. Our skilled legal team has been helping clients in New York get the justice they deserve for over 25 years. Call our office at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today. We also speak Spanish. 


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