Using a checklist can help in evaluating the facility. Talking to current residents, visiting at different times of the day, having a meal or staying overnight can all help in developing a more realistic picture of the life within a facility.

• Home Care Agencies
  Seniors who prefer to live independently in their own homes, or stay with a family member, and have access to outside supportive care and assistance when needed.
• Independent Living Communities
  Seniors who want to and are able to live independently, prefer to live among their peers, desire additional security, but no longer want to maintain a home.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
  Seniors currently living independently but want the security of being cared for when needed throughout the aging process.
• Assisted Living Facilities
  Seniors that require some assistance with activities of daily living but wish to live as independently as possible and do not require skilled medical care.
• Nursing Homes
  Convalescent seniors or those with long-term illnesses or disabilities that are not able to care for themselves and have numerous health care requirements.
• Hospice Care
  All persons regardless of age who have a life-threatening or terminal illness may receive hospice care. Patients with both cancer and non-cancer illnesses are eligible to receive hospice care.