Adult day care centers provide an opportunity for older adults to socialize with others and help with the isolation that many experience, on a day-to-day basis – along with giving caregivers a much-needed break. Adult day care facilities typically provide more supervision and services than a traditional community senior center.

Assisted living facilities provide care for older persons who need help with daily activities and can’t manage to live independently any longer. The typical resident is not at the stage where the care that around-the-clock skilled nursing center feature is necessary.

Home health care services (as opposed to “personal care”) include the monitoring of the patient’s condition and vital signs, and help with daily living routines like dressing, bathing and using the restroom. They can also perform light housekeeping duties and prepare meals.

Independent living for seniors is simply a housing arrangement designed to be more friendly to aging adults, as well as usually offering amenities, activities and services. Clubhouses or rec centers are often available, as are fitness centers, pools and golf or tennis facilities.

Memory care is a type of long-term residential care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Staff perform similar tasks as those at an assisted living facility, with the addition of ensuring that residents are taking part in meals and activities. Memory care facilities maintain high levels of security to prevent residents from wandering off-site.

Senior rehabilitation centers can help regain mobility, strength and independence, used often after stroke, surgery or joint replacement. Rehab operations can include elements of psychiatry, neurology, nephrology, physiatry, gerontology, physical therapy and speech therapy.

Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. It can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks. Care can be provided at home, in a healthcare facility, or at an adult day center.

Skilled nursing care is care or treatment that can only be performed by licensed nurses. A wide variety of services can be performed by a skilled nursing center, including physical therapy, wound care, intravenous therapy, injections, speech-language therapy, and vital sign and medical equipment monitoring.