Home care may fit when
- The senior can remain safely at home with help.
- Needs are mostly personal care, meals, transportation, reminders, or companionship.
- Family or paid caregivers can cover enough hours.
- The home can be made safer with DME and fall-prevention equipment.
Assisted living or memory care may fit when
- Daily support is needed but 24-hour skilled nursing is not the primary need.
- Medication support, meals, bathing, dressing, supervision, or social structure are needed.
- Dementia or wandering risk requires a secure memory-care setting.
- Family caregivers are stretched or safety at home is deteriorating.
Skilled nursing, rehab, hospice, or hospital review may fit when
- Skilled nursing or therapy is needed after hospitalization.
- Complex wounds, IV medication, frequent clinical monitoring, or severe mobility limits exist.
- Hospice goals, comfort care, or serious illness support are being discussed.
- The current care setting cannot safely manage the need.
Questions to ask
Can the senior safely be alone?
Is memory loss creating wandering, medication, cooking, or fall risk?
Is the need medical, personal care, supervision, rehab, or end-of-life support?
What can family caregivers realistically cover?
What payer or private-pay limits apply?