Whether an elderly loved one just had surgery or suffers from a chronic illness, they may need full-time care. But what are the best options?

Thankfully, there are many different types of long-term care. These include home care, adult day care programs and transportation services. But the time to plan for care is before a health crisis strikes.

Home Care

Home care is a type of long-term care that allows aging loved ones to receive assistance in their own homes. It is a popular choice for seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes and have day-to-day tasks taken care of for them.

Some types of home care involve a live-in caregiver or 24-hour aides. These are often used for people who have just had surgery or need round-the-clock care. However, this type of care is often expensive. Many families use it as a transitional solution while they try to find ways to pay for permanent care, such as using their home equity or reverse mortgages.

Other home care options include board and care homes, which are small residences with a few residents living together in private or shared rooms. These provide meals and help with activities of daily living, but do not offer medical care. Independent providers also can be found for home care, but they may charge more than a full-service agency and are responsible for taxes and background checks.

Live-In Care

If your elderly loved one has a long-term care need and is unable to live independently at home, consider finding out about live in care. This type of care gives your loved ones round-the-clock support by having a caregiver live with them in their home. Live in care can be expensive, but you may be able to find financial assistance from the local authority.

This kind of caregiving is also known as "awake overnight care." This arrangement allows your elderly loved one to get round-the-clock care without leaving their home, although the live-in caregiver will have a separate residence that they maintain on their own. The carer will sleep during the night and have breaks during the day when an alternate professional or family member can step in to help. Medical alert systems nicely complement this type of care and can give your loved ones peace of mind while a live-in caregiver is taking their break.

Nursing Homes

In some cases, it is impossible for seniors to live alone or get the care they need at home. This is when they can consider moving into a nursing home. In a nursing home, they can have access to round-the-clock medical care. Some people only need a short stay in a nursing home, such as for rehabilitation after a hospital trip, but some stay long-term.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a nursing home is that your loved one needs to feel happy and comfortable in their new place. To make sure this is the case, Nobles suggests visiting a nursing home more than once to observe how it functions during different parts of the day and for meals.

Before a senior decides to move into a nursing home, they should speak with a person-centered counselor or a nurse about their options. Additionally, they should check with their local HIICAP program, which offers free, unbiased health insurance counseling to help seniors understand their Medicare benefits.

Community-Based Care

In contrast to nursing homes, community-based care offers more structure and on-site services. This type of care includes meals, recreational activities and security features. It is ideal for seniors who want to maintain relationships with their families while receiving the care they need. It is also a good option for those who want a more active lifestyle than they can get at home.

Many older adults live in a community-based care setting, such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). These communities allow individuals to move between independent living, assisted living-style care and skilled nursing. They may also provide respite care and hospice care. These programs are a cost-effective way to meet a senior’s long-term care needs and offer more options than traditional nursing homes.

Other community-based services include personal care services, which are non-skilled and semi-skilled services prescribed by a physician and provided at home to individuals with chronic health conditions or disabilities. These services are often covered under Medicaid plans.