Health Topics for Aging

Nursing Homes/Care Centers

Geriatric Assessment Clinic

Residential care

Residential care refers to care that takes place in a living situation other than a person's home. It is designed for older adults who need help with either medical needs or day-to-day activities but who do not need to be in a hospital. Some facilities offer only help with daily living. Others offer close supervision and mild medical care. Still others offer extensive medical care. Home-like board and care homes, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes are all residential care facilities.

The two main concerns people have are the quality of care and the cost of care that is provided. Medicare only covers skilled nursing facilities for a certain number of days per year, and that is based only on medical need. Contact your Medicare office for more information. Facilities that are partially funded by government or private agencies may be more affordable.

• Here are some good questions to ask when choosing residential care:
• Are the caregivers and the facilities licensed?
• How often are they inspected for their license?
• Do they accept Medicare or other insurance?
• How many people does one nurse or caretaker look after?
• How many physicians, nurse practitioners, or other primary care providers are there?
• Is there a primary healthcare practitioner at the facility or on call at all times?
• How many people stay in each room?
• What activities are offered?
• How much staff turnover is there?
• How close is it to friends and relatives?
• What are visiting hours and policies?
• What religious services are offered?

Check the facility for cleanliness, safety, and staff attitude. Talk with residents and with their visiting family members. Taste the food. Ask friends and professional people what they have heard about the facility. This is an important decision, and the sooner you start planning for residential care, the more time you will have to make it.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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