The amount of care and assistance that an elderly needs depends on their condition. Some seniors are weak physically and they may be mentally alright. For some it is the other way around. People who do not have the mental ability to take care of themselves need an advanced level of care. Some seniors can manage well on their own with a little bit of assistance. If there is an option, the elderly person should be involved in the discussion about their care and assistance.

There are different levels of care and assistance.

Sheltered care is provided for people who are independent to a large extent. Some amount of assistance with housework and other daily activities is provided. People, who provide sheltered care, monitor the seniors and make sure they are taking their medications and eating well. Transportation, cooking, laundry and housecleaning are all taken care of by them.  Adult day care centers fall under this category.

Assisted living is required by elders who have difficulty with mobility and speech. They cannot live independently completely. It is a residential option. In this type of facility, 24 hours assistance is provided to them. They are monitored by responsible and experienced staff. The individual needs of every elder are taken care of in such a facility.

If a person cannot live on their own and needs more intensive elderly care, skilled nursing care is the best answer. They take care of all their health concerns including physical therapy, personal hygiene and medical needs. Even rehabilitation services are undertaken by these organizations.

In some cases, an elderly person may require complicated medical care, but may not necessarily require hospitalization. In such case, the person would require subacute care wherein the medical care is provided in a nursing facility and the patient is tended to by a doctor and nurses. The doctors monitor the senior's health every single day.

Hospice is the last level of care. It is called the end care and is for people who are dying. A hospice provides an opportunity for seniors to die with honor and respect. The main aim of the hospice is not to save a seniors life, but to see that seniors have improved quality of life and do not have to go through mental and/or physical agony. Towards their final days, the seniors need pain management and comfort which is provided by a hospice. Hospice workers also train the families and the patient for bereavement. Hospice care is considered very comprehensive. Elders are sent to hospice only when they stop responding to treatment plans.

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