Evaluating Alternatives to Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that just under 1.3 million seniors resided in certified nursing facilities in 2020—that's about 2.5% of the senior population in the United States. Nursing homes provide residential and medical care for seniors who are no longer capable of living on their own; in particular, many nursing home residents suffer from some sort of disability or dementia. 

The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is often a difficult one, especially if the senior individual in question has needs that are less intensive, if they are capable of living independently to some degree, don't want to leave their home, or some combination of the three. In situations like these, there is rarely a straightforward or right answer, but it helps to be aware of the alternatives to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

• Home caregivers. A caregiver is a person who provides assistance to a senior, typically (but not always) in their home. Caregivers can be family, friends, neighbors, or professional aides. The type of assistance caregivers provide varies depending on the needs of the individual, but might include help with household chores, medical care, personal tasks, or companionship.
  Many seniors have multiple caregivers. For example, even if a person's primary caregiver is a spouse or family member, it can be helpful to hire a part-time professional caregiver to give the family member or spouse a break.

• Adult day services. Adult day services are daytime care facilities for adults. Unlike senior centers, they are typically intended for people who suffer from disabilities or dementia. The services provided at adult day services will vary from place to place, and may or may not include transportation for clients. Adult day services present opportunities for seniors to socialize and participate in activities, and have the added benefit of allowing caregivers a break to go to work or run errands.

• PACE. PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. The goal of PACE is to provide holistic support to seniors who are eligible for nursing home care, thereby allowing them to remain in their home.
  PACE is unique in that it includes not only all services and care that the individual would be eligible for under Medicare and Medicaid, but also other forms of care deemed necessary by the individual's team, such as social services, home care, and recreational therapy (to name a few). 

Now more than ever, people are questioning whether nursing homes are the best option for seniors, and looking for alternatives. Knowing what these alternatives are is the first step in making an informed decision for yourself or your loved one. 
PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.