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Residents of assisted living get to enjoy the privacy of their own apartment while still benefiting from a close community of friends and neighbors. Family caregivers can take comfort in the knowledge that their loved one is safe in a supportive environment, with staff readily able to respond to emergencies, and assist with personal care or other basic needs.

It’s common for assisted living staff to offer assistance with:

In assisted living, residents usually live in small private apartments and share common areas, like dining rooms, patios, and recreation areas.

Some assisted living facilities offer additional amenities, such as:

What Does Assisted Living Offer to Older Adults and their Family Caregivers?

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, in 2021 the national average for assisted living fees was $4,500 per month. You can find the average monthly cost of assisted living in your specific area using the 

Note that in many cases assisted living facilities charge a base rate for room and board and charge extra for care or services. It’s common to offer “level of care” packages based on the amount of personal care assistance needed or pay-per-use charges for transportation or other services.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

Taking the time to find the right assisted living facility, where your loved one will feel comfortable and at home is worth the effort.

Consider using a senior facility referral service. 

Keep in mind that these services are not all the same. It may require a bit of research to ensure you’re working with a reputable one, but doing so is worthwhile. Read more about what to look for: Should I Use a Senior Facility Placement Service?

Consider your preferences, needs, and non-negotiables.

 What would you like to see in a senior living setting and what do you absolutely need? Think about your loved one’s needs now, as well as what they might be in the near future. If you anticipate an increase in needs it might make more sense to move directly to a facility that can accommodate them, rather than having to go through the disruption of another move again next year.

If your loved one has complex medical needs or severely impaired mobility a nursing home may soon be the only type of facility that can accommodate them.

If your loved one has dementia or behavioral concerns a memory care facility might be better suited to your needs.

If you prefer a very small, home-like environment a group home may be a better option.

Do you want a place with a garden? A place that allows pets?

Do you need a place that supports a certain diet, language, culture, or religious tradition?

Review recommendations for assisted living facilities in your area at your Olera dashboard.

 for a list of assisted living facilities in your area.

Ask your doctor, health care provider, family, or friends for recommendations.

Call the facilities to get some basic information.

What are the costs and what’s included? Are there level of care charges? What services are available for additional charges? What happens if a resident runs out of money? Will they accept Medicaid?

What type of care can they support? What would cause the resident to have to leave the facility?

Ask about any non-negotiable deal-breakers you may have.

Arrange to tour several of your favorite facilities.

 to prompt you on questions to ask and details to look for during your tour.

Be sure your ultimate choice is a place your loved one feels comfortable living in and calling home.

How Do I Find an Assisted Living Facility?

Dive into the world of assisted living with our all-inclusive guide, covering essential information on services, costs, benefits, and how to choose the right facility. Equip yourself with insights to make a well-informed decision for your loved one's care and comfort.

Discover Assisted Living for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide

Assisted Living

The terms “skilled nursing facility” and “nursing home” are often used interchangeably. Technically different services, they are similar to each other in many ways and are often offered under the same roof. The difference is that nursing homes are intended for long-term living while skilled nursing facilities are geared toward temporary stays focused on rehabilitation.

Residents of skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes receive 24-hour care from medical personnel. Certified nursing aides assist with most direct care, like bathing, walking, or getting out of bed. Nurses and therapists are readily available to assist with “skilled care” –  treatments that would be unsafe for others to perform.

Skilled nursing facilities provide the highest level of medical care possible outside of a hospital. If your loved one has been hospitalized with a serious condition and is ready for discharge, but not yet ready to come home, they might qualify for skilled nursing.

If your loved one can no longer live at home – or in their assisted living facility – because their medical or care needs are too great, moving into a nursing home might be a good option.

Medicaid usually pays only for nursing home care – rarely for assisted living or other long-term care settings – so if your loved one relies on Medicaid to pay for long-term care, they’ll likely need to find a nursing home.

Read more about the differences in coverage between 

Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing under limited circumstances– for example, when it’s medically necessary in order to recover from a significant hospitalization. They’ll pay for no more than 100 days per benefit period.

As far as nursing homes go, in 2021, the average annual cost of a semi-private room – one shared with a roommate – was $94,900. A private room came in at $108,405. These numbers represent a national average, but you can use 

 to find the average cost of nursing homes in your area.

How to Find a Skilled Nursing Facility or Nursing Home

If your loved one is in a hospital and needs a skilled nursing facility for short-term rehabilitation, the hospital will help you find one and make the arrangements directly with the facility.

If you’d like to get a better sense of what skilled nursing facilities are available in your area – or if you’re looking for a nursing home for long-term care – you have a few options for finding facilities to compare.

First, figure out which facilities are available in your area. Use any or all of these steps:

Consult your Olera dashboard to find facilities in your area.

Ask your health care providers, friends, or neighbors for recommendations. Find out if your doctor visits any local nursing homes to provide on-site visits.

Are you looking for the closest facility, a comfortable environment, a focus on dementia care, or a facility that allows pets?

Are there any deal-breakers that would automatically disqualify a potential facility? (For example, a facility where none of the staff speaks your loved one’s primary language.)

Ask about costs, whether they have available rooms or waiting lists, and any deal-breakers that might exclude them from consideration.

Arrange to visit those that pass this initial screening.

After you’ve narrowed the options to the top two or three:

Visit your top picks again, unannounced, at a different time of day. Visit at least once during mealtime.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the management and staff.

Read more at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid official 

Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility care

How to Choose a Nursing Home | National Institute on Aging

What's the Difference Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home? | AARP Medicare Plans

Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes

Navigate the world of nursing homes with our comprehensive guide, covering vital information on services, costs, benefits, and factors to consider when selecting the ideal facility. Gain the knowledge and confidence to make well-informed decisions for your loved one's care.

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Senior Caregiver Support Group

Explore the essential role of elder law attorneys in addressing legal matters for seniors. Our concise guide covers their areas of expertise, the benefits of hiring one, and key tips for finding the right legal professional to support you and your loved one's needs.

Elder Law Attorneys: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Expertise for Seniors

Elder Law Attorney

Discover the role of senior care advisors in helping families navigate elder care options. Our concise guide explores their expertise, benefits of hiring an advisor, and tips on finding the right professional to support you in making informed care decisions for your loved one.

Senior Care Advisors: A Comprehensive Guide to Expert Assistance

Senior Care Advisors

How can home health care help family caregivers?

Some older adults need in-home skilled nursing care, either temporarily (after being discharged from the hospital) or long-term, to manage an ongoing health condition.

Having a skilled nurse come to your parent’s home may help them age in place, rather than requiring them to move into a long-term care facility. Your parent may feel more comfortable in a familiar setting, which may have positive effects on their overall mood and interactions with people, including you.

If you live near your parent, you may get to spend more quality time together in your parent’s home. If you live a distance away, having in-home skilled nursing care may give you peace of mind that your parent is in good hands.

In-home skilled nursing services may help your parent stay in better health, and it may decrease the chances that they will need to be readmitted to the hospital after being discharged.

In most instances, home health care costs aren’t covered by insurance; you may have to pay out-of-pocket. Costs vary by location, but 

, Medicare may cover the cost of skilled nursing care for a limited number of hours over a short time frame – usually 3 weeks or less. (Someone may be eligible for this type of care after a hospital stay, for example.) Only people who are homebound who are under the care of a doctor may be eligible, if a doctor certifies that they need one or more services, such as:

 for older adults who are aging in place and who have a medical need for these services. However, Medicaid is only available for people who have a financial need. The rates that Medicaid pays for home health care services vary by state.

 may be able to get nursing and medical care services in their own homes if the VA determines that there’s a medical need for the services. There may be a copayment.

In-home skilled nursing services may be covered by a 

, but each plan may have different coverage. If your parent doesn’t already have a long-term-care plan, it’s too late to get one.

Home Health Care: What You Need to Know

Search online for your local Area Agency on Aging. The U.S. Administration on Aging’s 

 can help you find the name, number and website for the one in your area. You should be able to find the names of local home health agencies that offer in-home skilled nursing services through that agency.

 may help you find local home health agencies that offer in-home skilled nursing services that are Medicare-certified.

When you call individual home health agencies, ask questions like these to find the right fit for your parent’s needs:

Are you able to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or other types of insurance?

When do nurses visit? What happens if my parent needs help in the middle of the night?

Is it possible to request the same nurse at each visit if my parent likes someone in particular?

How often do nurses communicate with family members to give status updates or discuss problems?

How do I find home health care for my loved one?

Explore the ins and outs of home health care, including services, costs, and benefits, along with factors to consider when choosing the right provider. Our concise guide equips you with essential knowledge to confidently make informed decisions about your loved one's care.

Home Health Care Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

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Financial, Legal & Other Services: A Comprehensive Guide for Senior Care

Financial, Legal, & Other Services

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care, although 

In many cases, the senior living community handles yard work, home maintenance, and sometimes housekeeping, which can be beneficial. However, the true value of an independent senior living community is just that – community. Being surrounded by friends and neighbors who can easily get together or drop in on one another can make a big difference in an older adult’s life.

 showed that seniors who live in retirement communities are likelier than those who don’t to:

Family caregivers of older adults in independent senior living may have less to worry about, less to organize in terms of social interaction, and more hands to call upon with all the friends and neighbors easily available.

How Much Does Independent Senior Living Cost?

The cost of independent senior living communities varies widely and there are different pricing structures to consider, so they don’t always line up for an exact comparison. Some communities' pricing covers only the rent, while others include utilities, activities, or access to amenities like a pool or community rec center. Monthly rates could range from $1,500 for a more affordable option to $6,000 or more for a luxurious layout with lots of benefits.


The cost of an independent senior living setting can actually be somewhat comparable with that of living at home. Don’t forget to factor in all the expenses of homeownership and consider the potential need for future services – housekeeping or yardwork, for example – and home modifications that may be needed to age in place safely.

There are other considerations, too. For example, it’s known that 

staying active and socially engaged is good for the health

 of older adults and that doing so can help prevent or delay many health issues that can lead to a need for more expensive support or health care.

How Can I Find an Independent Senior Living Community?

Independent senior living takes many forms – apartment buildings, houses, manufactured homes, condos, or duplexes are among the styles common to independent senior living communities.

Independent senior living is sometimes called by other names, like:

To find an independent senior living community for your loved one:

How much assistance with personal care, mobility, meal preparation, or other activities of daily living does your loved one require now? If they need this type of help – or are likely to need it soon – it may be better to opt for an assisted living or group home setting (unless they strongly prefer to age in place with in-home care support).

Which perks would you like if possible, and are there any non-negotiables (pets, pool, gym, garden area, community social events, etc)?

What’s your loved one’s ideal setting – close to the convenience of town or further out into the peaceful countryside?

What’s important for your loved one to be able to access easily – family, health care, shopping, religious, cultural, or community centers?

Look through the recommended Independent Senior Living communities on your Olera dashboard.

Make a list of your top choices and set up tours with your top options.

For each community you tour, pay attention to:

How comfortable do you feel in the environment?

Is there convenient transportation available if you were unable to drive?

The rules regarding what is and isn’t allowed. Some communities have strict rules about visitors, gardens, barbecue grills, outdoor decor, pets, and many other areas you might not have thought about.

What amenities or services are included with the monthly fee? Is there any extra charge for repairs or maintenance needs?

Choose the senior living setting that ultimately feels like home.

Why Would a Family Caregiver Consider Independent Senior Living for an Aging Loved One?

The cost of independent senior living communities varies widely and there are different pricing structures to consider, so they don’t always line up for an exact comparison. Some communities' pricing covers only the rent, while others include utilities, activities, or access to amenities like a pool or community rec center. Monthly rates could range from $1,500 for a more affordable option to $6,000 or more for a luxurious layout with lots of benefits.

Independent Senior Living

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Caregiver Support Services: Empowering Those Who Care the Most

Caregiver Support Services

Non-medical home care is a type of care that provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and other tasks that enable individuals to remain independent in their homes. This type of care is typically provided by caregivers who are not licensed healthcare professionals.

Non-medical home care provides assistance with a variety of daily tasks, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, personal care (such as bathing and dressing), transportation, and medication reminders. The goal of non-medical home care is to help individuals maintain their quality of life and independence while also providing peace of mind to their family members.

Non-medical home care differs from home healthcare in that it does not provide medical care. Instead, it focuses on helping individuals with daily tasks and activities.

Non-medical home care is an excellent option for seniors who need help with daily activities but want to maintain their independence. It's also a good choice for seniors who are no longer able to live safely on their own but don't require the round-the-clock care provided by an assisted living facility.

Non-medical home care is typically paid for out-of-pocket by the individual or their family members. The cost varies depending on the level of care required and the location, but it is generally more affordable than home healthcare services.

How to Choose a Non-Medical Home Care Provider

Choosing a non-medical home care provider can be a difficult decision. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

Reputation: Look for a provider with a good reputation in your community.

Services: Choose a provider that offers the services that are important to you or your loved one, such as transportation, meal preparation, or personal care.

Staffing: The quality of care provided by a non-medical home care provider depends on the staff. Look for a provider with well-trained and compassionate caregivers.

Cost: Non-medical home care can be expensive, so it's important to choose a provider that fits your budget.

Non-medical home care: An overview for seniors and their families

Your parent may need help with their activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, bathing or using the bathroom. They may also need someone to cook meals, do laundry and keep their home clean, if they aren’t able to care for themselves in those ways anymore. And depending on their health status, they may need 24-hour supervision.

If you’re a family caregiver with a job, a family and your own household to run, being ever-present to meet your parent’s daily needs may not be a possibility. Trying to do everything by yourself may be stressful and overwhelming. But hiring a home health aide or personal care aide can keep your parent safe and cared for in their own home while you supervise, rather than run the show. It’s a valuable service that may help you feel less stressed and more in control of your life.

Having someone else to rely on to handle basic care and companionship for your parent may give you peace of mind, whether you live across town and visit regularly, or you’re across the country.

How can non-medical home care help family caregivers?

Most people who hire home health aides and personal care aides pay out-of-pocket, whether they find an aide through a home care agency or place an ad and hire someone privately. Aides are hired by the hour, whether through an agency or individually. Agencies may have a minimum number of hours that aides must work per day and/or week.

 is $17 per hour. Home health aides and personal care aides who are hired through an agency are more expensive than those who are hired directly, but there are advantages to paying a bit more; the agency takes care of taxes, background checks and other necessary paperwork. If you hire someone on your own, you’ll have to do all of these administrative tasks, plus interviewing potential candidates, hiring and firing.

Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of a home health aide, except under very limited circumstances. If someone has 

, Medicare may pay for a part-time home health aide for 3 weeks or less, provided that Medicare has agreed to pay for part-time in-home skilled nursing during the same time frame.

, they may be eligible for a home health aide, if they can prove that their health condition prevents them from managing their activities of daily living. Each state may have its own rules and criteria for eligibility. Some home care agencies may not accept Medicaid.


 may be eligible for homemaker and home health aide services, if they are enrolled through the VA and are unable to manage their activities of daily living on their own. The VA will send aides from a home care agency that they contract with locally.

If your parent has a long-term-care insurance plan, they may have coverage for a home health aide or personal care aide, but you’ll have to read the fine print to see if this is a service that’s available to them.

How much does non-medical home care cost?

If you’re seeking a home health aide or personal care aide for your parent, you can search for local home care agencies through Medicare’s 

, which will provide contact information for your local Area Agency on Aging; or the 

 from the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP. Your parent’s doctor may also have recommendations about local home care agencies.

When you call home care agencies to find a home health aide or personal care aide, asking questions should help you find an agency and aide that will suit your parent’s needs. Consider questions like:

Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance?

Are your employees licensed and background-checked?

How long have your aides been with the company?

Are services available to my parent 24/7, if there’s an off-hours emergency?

What is the procedure for providing a replacement aide if the scheduled aide is unable to work on a given day?

Can we request the same aide at each visit if my parent likes someone particular?

Do you create care plans for clients? Can my family have input into my parent’s care plan?

How do I find non-medical home care for my loved one?

Explore the realm of non-medical home care for seniors, including services, costs, benefits, and factors to consider when selecting a provider. Our concise guide equips you with vital information to make informed decisions on choosing the best care for your loved one's needs. 

Non-Medical Home Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Senior Assistance

Home Care (Non-medical)

When it comes to caring for individuals in their homes, there are two types of services: home healthcare and non-medical home care. Although they may sound similar, they provide different types of care.

The Difference between Home Healthcare and Non-Medical Home Care

Home healthcare is medical care provided by licensed healthcare professionals. This may include nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, among others. Home healthcare services are prescribed by a physician and are typically covered by Medicare or private insurance.

Non-medical home care is provided by caregivers who are not licensed healthcare professionals. The goal of non-medical home care is to provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and other tasks that enable individuals to remain independent in their homes.

Personal care, such as bathing and dressing

Non-medical home care is typically paid for out-of-pocket by the individual or their family members.

In summary, home healthcare provides medical care by licensed healthcare professionals, while non-medical home care provides assistance with ADLs and other tasks by caregivers who are not licensed healthcare professionals.

Non-Medical Home Care

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Eldercare Financial Planner

Memory care communities offer specialized support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Specially trained staff is available 24 hours per day to assist the residents with needs like companionship, personal care, and behavioral support.

Memory care can offer relief for family caregivers

Becoming exhausted, impatient, stressed, or irritable.

Neglecting your own needs, or those of the rest of your family.

Unable to keep up with work responsibilities.

Unable to physically keep up with your loved one’s needs.

Struggling to meet your loved one’s needs for structure or social stimulation.

Memory care is the primary option for family caregivers who can’t continue caring for a loved one with dementia due to wandering or behavioral concerns.

What’s the Value of Memory Care for a Family Caregiver?

Memory care tends to be more expensive than assisted living, but not as expensive as nursing home care. In 2021, memory care averaged 

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

The quality of care, environment, and programming vary widely from one memory care community to the next. It’s worth the time and trouble to find a facility that’s a good fit for your loved one’s needs.

Start the process before you anticipate needing to move, if possible. Waiting for the last minute, or for a crisis to hit, means you’re more likely to be stuck wherever there happens to be an opening. The move is likely to be more difficult for your loved one if you don’t have time to plan it properly.

How Do I Find a Good Memory Care Facility?

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Caregiver Support: Tips and Resources for Caregivers

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