How much, or how little,
care is needed?

There is a huge range of care needs and available solutions. Take time to carefully and realistically assess how much care you or your loved one need right now and into the foreseeable future. Options vary from intense 24/7 memory care to relaxed retirement living with just the bits of help you need. Think it through and do your homework so you can find the right combination for today and tomorrow.

Keep in mind that the levels of care discussed below are available in settings that vary widely in size and cost, from small homes to large facilities with dozens or even hundreds of units. Buildings can range from converted single-family homes to new, state-of-the-art communities designed specifically for the purpose.

Health care providers and others, including individuals whose job it is to recommend care facilities (with their fees often paid by the facility chosen) can offer help in finding an appropriate living situation, but there’s no substitute for doing your own research on-line and in-person.

Retirement Living

Retirement Living is a versatile senior living option, combining the independence of a private apartment with the ease and companionship of community living. These communities are great if you're looking for a simple, relaxed retirement lifestyle but do not require around-the-clock assistance (though Home Care is often available).

Retirement Living communities often feature an all-inclusive lifestyle. While you enjoy the comforts of having many daily tasks taken care of, you also have the safety and security of live-in managers available 24/7, emergency call systems in each apartment, and three meals per day, plus transportation, full social calendars, weekly housekeeping and linen service, and much more.

Retirement Living communities can help you avoid a premature move to an assisted living facility. While Retirement Living communities do not provide health care, Home Care is readily available and is ideal for those who require minor assistance with such needs as medication, housekeeping and more. Some Retirement Living communities even have Home Care providers with offices inside the community. Outside providers are also welcome.

Usually, you pay one monthly fee that covers all expenses, including amenities, meals, entertainment and all utilities (except phone). Most Retirement Living communities, including Bonaventure, do not require long-term leases or buy-in fees. The majority of residents use private funds to pay. Eligible veterans or surviving spouses can qualify for Aid & Attendance pension benefits. Since health care is not provided, Medicare and Medicaid do not pertain to Retirement Living communities.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living communities are ideal for seniors who require help with activities of daily living, but do not need the skilled medical care of a nursing home. Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, housekeeping and eating. Medication assistance varies according to state regulations. Residents receive 24-hour assistance based on need.

Assisted Living communities generally offer activities for residents, transportation, and housekeeping services. 

I would like to receive email newsletters about Senior Resources.

The cost of Assisted Living is determined by the level of care required. Meal and laundry services are typically covered in the basic services. Many communities require a non-refundable security deposit. The majority of residents use private funds to pay. Since health care is not provided, Medicare and Medicaid do not pertain to Assisted Living communities. Some state assistance is available and a select few long-term care insurance policies may pay for Assisted Living.

Memory Care

(Also known as Alzheimer’s Care or Dementia Care)

Care at Memory Care facilities is similar to that at an Assisted Living community or, in some cases, Nursing Homes.

Memory Care facilities provide specialized care for seniors unable to communicate or in need of assistance with daily activities due to Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss. They provide a safe and physically secured environment while helping residents cope with their disease through various classes, programs, and activities. Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care facilities may operate as a stand-alone facility or part of a larger Assisted Living community.

Some facilities provide medical services and administer medication. Basic custodial needs and meals are provided.

The cost of memory care is generally equivalent to Assisted Living communities. Residents of Memory Care facilities mostly pay for services through private funds. Medicare often does not pay for Memory Care. In some cases, Medicaid and long-term care insurance policies provide payment.

Continuing Care Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities provide a wide array of services and senior living options in one location, allowing you to enjoy familiar settings as you “age in place.” As needs change, you can move from Retirement Living to Assisted Living to Nursing Home without relocating to a different facility.

Continuing Care communities provide a range of services, from basic custodial services, meals and entertainment for independent seniors, to assistance with daily activities, skilled nursing and other medical services for those in need of more specialized care. Admittance into advanced care programs may be restricted to residents from within the community’s independent living component.

Continuing Care communities are the most expensive long-term option. With the wide-ranging services available, there are a variety of contracts tailored to different residents’ needs. You typically pay an entrance fee plus monthly fees and have the option of purchasing units. Long-term contracts are required. Many seniors use long-term care insurance policies to pay for Continuing Care, and some communities require residents to carry policies. Other modes of payment include private funds and, in some cases, Medicaid and Medicare.

Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes are intended for seniors requiring 24-hour nursing or health care, either long-term or short-term. Nursing Homes offer a comfortable community, and residents stay in private or shared rooms. Medical staff is available around-the-clock, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurses’ aides.

Care ranges from basic assistance with daily activities to treatment and procedures from skilled nurses. Nursing Homes commonly offer custodial support and meals, and you can add therapists, on-call doctors, laundry services and more.

Nursing Homes costs are contingent upon the services required but are generally more expensive than Assisted Living and Retirement Living. About one-third of Nursing Home residents use private funds. Nursing Homes may also accept Medicare or Medicaid, though eligibility and length of stay vary by state. Some insurance policies may also cover Nursing Home expenses.

Hospice Care

Hospice care provides spiritual, emotional and practical support for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice is designed to improve the patient’s quality of life in his or her final stages of life. The majority of Hospice care is provided in-home, but is also offered in a range of other settings, including a Hospice facility, a hospital or nursing home.

Hospice care is available 24/7 and includes respite care and bereavement care as well as spiritual, emotional and practical care. Respite care is intended to provide a caretaker or family with up to five days of relief, and bereavement care supports families through the grieving process.

The cost of in-home Hospice care is less expensive than Nursing Homes and hospitals and is determined by the amount of services needed. Most Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance policies and HMOs.