ELDER-CARE SERVICES

If you are among the many families in the “sandwich generation” who are caring for both your children and your parents, this will help you understand the differences between some of the more common elder-care services.

Elder-care finder

Service to help define individual needs and to locate care alternatives within a geographical area

Home-care help

Non-medical assistance in the home; housekeeping, meal preparation

Home-care nursing

Medical care in the home by licensed personnel

Adult day-care centers

Community based; typically weekdays; food and activities; limited healthcare for additional fee; transportation may be available

 Adult family homes

Residential homes typically licensed for six non-related residents; provide room, board, supervision, personal care, social services; nursing staff may be available for an extra fee

Continuing-care residential communities

Housing community with full range of services, from independent living to skilled nursing

Assisted living

Individual apartments, full time staff, activities and dining facilities; limited healthcare for additional fee

Skilled nursing home

Full nursing or rehabilitative care; licensed personnel

Hospice and palliative-care programs

Appropriate care for the last phase of life; comfort, not cure; relief of pain, symptoms and emotional stress