More Options

Assisted living facilities: Residents live in their own room or apartment within a building or group of buildings. They can have some or all of their meals together, and social and recreational activities are usually provided. Some places have health services on site. Residents can get help with bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom as well as with taking medicine, getting to appointments, and preparing meals. Not all assisted living facilities provide the same services, so you need to ask questions at each place you contact. Residents usually pay monthly rent plus additional fees for services.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs): These offer different levels of care and more than one kind of housing. In the same community, there may be individual homes or apartments for residents who still live on their own, an assisted living facility for those who need some help with daily care, and a nursing home for those who require more care. Residents move from one level to another based on their needs, but usually stay within the CCRC. If you need nursing home care, you may be required to use the CCRC’s nursing home, so be sure you’re familiar with it before making any decisions.

Many CCRCs generally require a large entry fee before you move in as well as monthly fees. For more information and to get advice about facilities, click Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities or call (202) 587-5001.

Adding to an existing home: Called an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), this is space such as an upper floor, basement, attic, or garage loft that can be turn into an “in-law’s apartment” with a separate living and sleeping area, a place to cook, and a bathroom. Or you may want to build a completely separate living space at a family member’s home. Check with your local zoning office to be sure ADUs are allowed in your area and if special rules apply.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): PACE manages all of the medical, social, and long-term care services for frail people so they can remain in their homes and maintain their quality of life. However, PACE is only available in states that have chosen to offer it under Medicaid. To be eligible, you must be age 55 or older, live in the service area of a PACE program, be certified as eligible for nursing home care by the appropriate state agency, and be able to live safely in the community. To find out if a PACE program is available in your area, click List of PACE Provider Organizations or call Medicare at (800) 633-4227.

Waiver programs: If you are already eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to get help with the costs of some home- and community-based services, like homemaker services, personal care, and respite care. States have home- and community-based waiver programs to help people maintain their independence while getting the care they need outside of an inpatient facility. For more information, click Eldercare Locator or call (800) 677-1116.

Discharge planners and social workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies can explain your options and help arrange care. Click Medicare and Home Health Care to download a PDF version of this free booklet or call Medicare at (800) 633-4227. State programs may help cover some of the costs involved with these long-term care choices. Click Helpful Contacts to find a phone number for your state’s Medical Assistance Office. You can search for other contact numbers there as well.