If you can't care for your family member at home, you'll need to choose a long-term care facility. As with home care, the expense of these options increases with the level of care provided.

• Assisted-living facilities. If your family member needs minimal assistance with daily activities, this relatively inexpensive option will allow her to live fairly independently. Assisted-living facilities feature private apartments and offer help with meals, cleaning and laundry, bathing, dressing, grooming, and managing medications. On-site medical care isn't available.

• Residential care facilities. Like assisted-living facilities, residential care offers laundry and cleaning services, help with personal care, and help with medications. Although on-site medical care isn't available, residents are more closely supervised. Meals are communal and rooms usually don't include a kitchenette.

• Nursing homes. This is probably the best choice if the patient requires skilled nursing care around the clock. Nursing aides help with all aspects of personal care, including using the toilet. Trained medical professionals are always available in case of emergency. Although a nursing home is the most expensive option, it may be your only choice if the patient is severely disabled.

• Continuing-care communities. A continuing-care community is a single facility that offers all the different levels of care, from assisted living to full nursing care. This is a great way to meet a stroke patient's changing needs while giving you both a sense of continuity.