Home health care can be a cost effective choice. Services received in the home can be health care or personal care services through a home care agency, family member or friend. These services can be medical or non-medical and can include assistance with shopping, meals and companion care.

Assisted Living is a philosophy that offers care and is an alternative to nursing home care. Accommodations for Assisted Living are typically an apartment with private bath and kitchenette for individuals or couples, one or both of which may need help with activities of daily living. These residential settings sometimes have as many as three of four levels of care. Residents are able to furnish and decorate the apartment to their liking. Services include two or three meals per day served in a common dining room, assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping services and help with ambulating. Medication is dispensed as needed, or medication reminders, and exercise programs are available.

There is twenty-four hour security and a staff on call at all times. Daily room and board fees include laundry, utilities and social and recreational services as well as transportation and housekeeping services.

Residents in these facilities choose to remain independent as long as possible to protect their families from the burden of care giving. This arrangement maximizes the independence and dignity of the individual and their family. Some of these facilities even allow pets.

Assisted living facilities can be free standing or part of independent living situations, apartment complexes or included in a continuum of care center in a senior community or nursing home. Costs vary based on location and are priced at about 75% of the cost of a nursing home and are certainly more appealing. There is always a degree of choice of lifestyle and residents are able to protect their right to privacy in a residential environment. These residential care facilities have become extremely desirable over the past few years.

There are many individuals who need some care as they age although the need for Nursing Home Care may never arise for them. Long Term Care insurance will pay for care in your own home or in an assisted living facility as well as numerous other settings and yes, in a nursing home as well. The time to purchase Long Term Care insurance is before the need arises.