How Do You Determine the Level of Care for an Elderly Loved One?

Has your loved one become increasingly forgetful, had worsening health, or exhibited mobility problems? If so, it may be time for them to transition from in-home care to a higher level of care, like independent living, assisted living, or memory care. These options give seniors additional support for their health, safety, and independence.

In 2024, the American Community Survey revealed that the U.S. had 61 million residents aged 65 or older. Per Caring’s assisted living statistics survey, slightly more than 1 million of those seniors live in assisted living facilities. The U.S. census projects that 1 in 5 Americans will reach retirement age by 2030, suggesting that the need for robust senior care options will increase. 

While it may be challenging, it is important to have early and thoughtful discussions about caring with your aging relatives.

Yes, some seniors can continue living at home, also known as "aging in place." Seniors who are still somewhat mobile, have nearby friends or relatives who can help when needed, and don't need overnight care may choose to stay at home. 

Seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) can explore various care options to help them maintain some independence at home:

 

Of note, the cost of aging in place is more expensive than assisted living in some states. For example, in South Dakota, the average cost of living at home is $121,518 annually, while assisted living costs less than half that ($52,200). Costs vary among jurisdictions, but Louisiana and Mississippi are the states with the cheapest senior living.

When deciding whether your loved one should age in place, consider their finances and resources compared with the costs of home health care, in-home care, and respite care. Seniors can use Social Security benefits to cover the costs of at-home care, but Medicare benefits generally only pay for healthcare-related services. Medicaid for seniors may cover some non-medical services, such as transportation to medical appointments and light housekeeping, but coverage varies by state.

If your loved one wants to take some tasks off their plate, like cooking and mowing the lawn, but still prefers to maintain much of their independence, independent living may be the best option. 

Independent living communities include housing, meals, social activities, and maintenance services, some even offering luxury experiences and amenities. But other forms of senior living for men and women, including assisted living, nursing homes, or memory care facilities, give more advanced support if your loved one needs help with ADLs or ongoing medical care. 

It may be time to consider senior living when your loved one:

• Needs help managing household tasks, like cooking and cleaning
• Struggles to use the bathroom independently
• Forgets to eat or take medications on time
• Cannot keep up with basic hygiene needs
• Shows signs of loneliness or depression
• Has more frequent or prolonged forgetfulness or confusion
• Experiences fatigue, dizziness, or mobility problems regularly
• Has had recent mood changes or aggressive behavior
• Faces safety risks at home, like leaving appliances on or frequent falls
• Lacks friends or family nearby who can help

These challenges can become more pronounced over time. Knowing when it's time for assisted living and other levels of care can help your family make informed choices to support your loved one.

Seniors requiring 24-hour medical supervision may benefit more from a nursing home. In these facilities, trained medical staff is available at all times to monitor your loved one’s health and provide nursing services, including insulin injections, diabetes monitoring, infection control and vision or hearing treatment. Nursing homes can also be used for short-term recovery or rehabilitative services. Nursing homes usually offer the highest level of care for seniors who require the most assistance to maintain their quality of life.

Your senior loved one deserves a say in their care, so it's important to talk through options together. Research senior care options and consult medical professionals before talking to your parents about assisted living.

If you decide together to pursue the next step, call a Caring Family Advisor for free at (800) 558-0653. You can also use our assisted living directory to find communities near you or browse our senior living resources to learn what you and your loved one can expect.

If your loved one is already in independent living and ready to move to assisted living, learn what questions to ask an assisted living facility on your tour to ensure it's a good fit.

• Home and community-based services 1915(c). (n.d.). Medicaid.gov
• Home health services. (n.d.). Medicare.gov
• Signs it's time for senior assisted living. (2024). Consumer Affairs
• What is Medicaid? (n.d.). United Healthcare
• What is personal home care?: Everything you need to know. (2020). United Disabilities Services
• What is respite care? (2023). National Institute on Agin
• When to move from independent to assisted living. (n.d.). Acts