A Guide to Eldercare Options in Living Arrangements

Quick summary

Evaluating an older adult's living needs and abilities -- especially living arrangements -- is an ongoing process. And there's a range of options available to meet those shifting priorities and concerns -- from the freedom of living on one's own (perhaps in a smaller place) to the supportive environment of assisted living to the round-the-clock care available at skilled nursing facilities. Each offers something different, so sorting out the options is the first step.

Independent living or aging in place

Sometimes called "aging in place," this is the route that the great majority of older Americans say they hope to take. Your family member is likely to need some support if she chooses to continue living on her own, although how much help she'll need will vary tremendously depending on her health and how connected she is to the community.

A good place to start looking for support is our Local Resources Directory, which can connect you with providers that offer special services to enable older adults to stay in their homes, such as Aging in Place certified Home Remodelers. You may also want to look at simple home renovations, such as adding a railing next to the toilet, as well as the growing list of gadgets that can make independent living safer and more comfortable.

• Is this the right option for my family member? "A good candidate has family who are able to check on him every day," says Pat O'Dea-Evans, COO of Paxem, a Chicago-based company that helps seniors who are contemplating a move. Health is a central factor to consider -- one you'll need to re-evaluate periodically as she ages. Older adults who are healthy enough to perform basic functions such as cooking and bathing and who can get around safely may do well living independently.

Also look at the kind of support an older adult has in the community -- does she live near important services like a grocery store, pharmacy, doctors, and a hospital? Is she connected to others in her neighborhood, or has she become socially isolated?