There are more options available to you than ever before. It used to be that the only choice besides staying at home was to go to a nursing home. Today there are many other options available when staying home is no longer the best alternative.

There are many types of senior apartment living available. Some are well-equipped, modern buildings; some are in beautifully-remodeled old school buildings. Many are designed to be affordable to those on fixed incomes and offer services such as transportation to supermarkets and activity programming. More and more of these residential settings are offering more and more services to keep their older residents independent for as long as possible.

Adult Homes usually offer the structure of a private room or apartment with amenities such as three meals a day, an activities schedule and laundry and housekeeping services. More and more adult homes are offering their residents personal assistance with medications and bathing. Programs are funded by private pay funds although there are some options which are covered by SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

Assisted Living Programs tend to have higher numbers and levels of staffing than Adult Homes.  Assisted Living programs usually provide a multitude of services designed to keep individuals healthy and active. For those who need assistance with medications, bathing and other personal care, assisted living programs offer security and structure while providing a private lifestyle. Various programs are covered by financial assistance programs such as SSI and Medicaid.

Special care residences have been growing in number. Special care, in this case, primarily refers to people who are experiencing cognitive deficits such as dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. These programs are designed to oversee personal care needs, but also have a strong orientation towards stimulative, productive and social activities to maximize the person's strengths and capabilities.

"CCC"s offer a residential program that spans the entire spectrum of aging services. These programs demand a financial commitment up front and then a monthly fee package. Up front monies purchases a "unit" (condominium, cottage, patio home, etc) and the promise to be cared for in the appropriate setting for as long as necessary (usually on the same campus). This spans the "continuum" of independent living to nursing home care. You will find this option to be a wave of the future.

Other options exist such as private homes where a small group of people live under one roof and share meals, activities and sometimes bathrooms. Some are affiliated with nursing homes, geriatric centers and fraternal or sectarian organizations which are one-of-a-kind but which are often well-run and well-managed. Be sure to explore the wealth of options available to you before deciding where your next home will be.