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San Diego Magazine /  October 2007 /  September of Our Years /  Levels of Care

Levels of Care

WHEN PEOPLE are considering assisted living or other health services for themselves or their loved ones, it’s important they try to match their needs and abilities with the kinds of care being offered. The facility types listed here, with the exception of retirement communities, are licensed by the California Department of Social Services.

Adult daycare centers, also known as adult day services, provide a break to the caregiver and offer a wide range of health services and geriatric care, including nutrition, nursing, rehabilitation and social activities.

Alzheimer’s care is provided to residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory loss. This type of specialized care is offered through residential care, assisted- living and skilled nursing facilities.

Assisted-living facilities provide help with medications, bathing and dressing. They are designed for seniors who require help with activities of daily living but not the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home.

Continuing care retirement communities combine independent living, assisted living and professional nursing care, usually in one location and typically for the remainder of a resident’s lifetime.

Home healthcare can include licensed healthcare services in a senior’s home, in addition to nonmedical assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation and transportation.

Residential care is normally provided in single-family homes that are licensed by the state to provide assistance with medications, bathing and dressing.

Retirement communities are designed for people who are capable of living completely independent lives. They provide meals, transportation and activities, usually included in a monthly fee. These communities are not licensed by any local, state or federal agencies.

Skilled nursing care facilities, or nursing homes, may be independent or part of a continuum of care. Medical care and custodial care are available 24 hours a day. Residents may be in the facility temporarily for a period of rehabilitation, or they may be there for longterm care. State regulations define the services that skilled nursing facilities can provide.