Kinds of senior housing and care
The names overlap, and homes use them differently. Here is what each usually means, and what to ask at any of them.
General descriptions only. They are not health advice and they do not say which is right for any one person. For health questions, ask the older adult's own doctor.
Independent living
Homes or apartments for older adults who manage daily life themselves. Meals, activities, transportation and upkeep are often offered, and personal care is generally not part of the base arrangement.
Questions to ask
- Which meals, activities and rides are included, and which cost extra?
- What happens if my needs change? Can help be added here, or would I move?
- How are monthly price changes handled, and when do I hear about them?
- Is there a one-time entrance fee or deposit, and what is refundable?
Assisted living
Housing with help from staff with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, medicines and meals, in a home-like setting. In Michigan the state does not issue a license called assisted living; homes are licensed under other names. See what the state licenses.
Questions to ask
- What help is included in the price, and what is charged separately?
- How and when is the level of help decided and reviewed?
- Who is on duty overnight?
- What would lead to a request to move out?
Memory care
Housing and routines designed for people living with memory loss, often with extra staff attention and a secured setting.
Questions to ask
- How is staff trained for memory loss?
- How do daily routines and activities work?
- How are exits and wandering handled?
- How does the community involve family?
Adult foster care
A small home, usually a few residents, where staff provide meals, supervision and help with personal care. In Michigan these homes are licensed by the state.
Questions to ask
- How many residents live in the home, and how many staff are there at once?
- What does the monthly price cover?
- Can I see the most recent state inspection report?
- What is a typical day like?
Nursing homes
Places that provide round-the-clock nursing care and help with daily living, for people with greater medical needs. Nursing homes are outside what this site lists, so there is no search for them here.
Questions to ask
- What kinds of nursing care are provided on site?
- What does the daily rate cover, and what is billed separately?
- How is payment handled, and what does Medicaid or Medicare cover? (Ask the home and the agency that administers them.)
- Can I see the most recent state inspection report?
Home care
Help that comes to the home: meals, housekeeping, rides, personal care or nursing visits, arranged through an agency or privately. Home care agencies are outside what this site lists, so there is no search for them here.
Questions to ask
- Is the agency licensed, and are caregivers screened and trained?
- What is the hourly rate, and is there a minimum number of hours?
- Who covers if the usual caregiver is out?
- How do we change or stop the service?
Next
- Paying for Senior Living in Michigan, a free guide with worksheets.
- Michigan: what the state licenses.
- Search for places.
- Ask Mary to explain any of these in your own words.
- More for family caregivers.
