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| In-Home Care
| Assisted-Living Facility
| Nursing Home
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| When to consider
| Parent can live independently but needs some assistance
| Parent can live independently but needs some assistance
| Parent can't live independently and requires regular nursing care
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| Types of care provided
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- Medical care (nursing or health aide)
- Household help
- Companion or caretaker services
- Meal delivery
- Transportation
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- Rental rooms, apartments, or houses
- Housekeeping services
- Meals
- Social activities
- Transportation
- May provide limited health-care services
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- 24-hour access to medical care
- Custodial care: some help eating, bathing, dressing, or taking medications
- Skilled nursing care
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| Potential advantages
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- Can remain in familiar surroundings
- May be less expensive than assisted-living or nursing home care if limited services are needed
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- Staff available 24 hours a day
- Social interaction with other residents
- May have home-like atmosphere
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- Social interaction with other residents
- Access to round-the-clock medical care
- May have special care units for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related conditions
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| Potential disadvantages
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- Strangers in home
- Can be difficult to coordinate care
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- Limited privacy
- Long waiting lists
- High fees for extra services
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- Limited privacy
- Long waiting lists
- Very expensive
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| What you need to do
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- Assess hazards and functionality of home, renovate if necessary
- Check credentials of agency or individual providing service
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- Research facility thoroughly
- Consult an attorney before signing a contract
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- Research facility thoroughly
- Consult an attorney before signing a contract
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