Is an Assisted Living Facility(ALF) right for me?
An Assisted living facility (ALF) is a place where four or more adults live together. An ALF gives care that is “non-medical” and provides or coordinates personal and health care services with 24-hour supervision. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find an assisted living place near you. To see if you might qualify for help in paying for assisted living, visit the DARS Auxiliary Grant program website.
Is adult foster care what I need?
Adult Foster Care is a program that offers a place to live, supervision, and special services for up to three adults. Check with your local department of social services to see if this is a choice that works for you. To see if you may be able to get help in paying for adult foster care, go to the DARS Auxiliary Grant program website.
Do I need a nursing home?
A nursing home is a place that offers nursing services and health-related services 24-hours a day. You can check with your local department of social services, Center for Independent Living, or Area Agency on Aging to see if this is a good choice for you. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have created Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long Term Care Services & Supports.
What about a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Plan Community?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community offers a place to live and nursing services to you if you are going to need it for a long time. You will be asked to sign an agreement with the continuing care retirement community and pay an entrance fee. Because CCRCs can cost a lot, you should talk to a financial advisor before signing a contract with a continuing care retirement community.
Are there group homes available?
A group home is a home where people live with other people in the community with 24-hour-a-day supervision and assistance. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) licenses group homes for people with an intellectual disability (once called mental retardation), people with a mental health issue, and people with a substance use disorder. For more information, contact your local Community Services Board.
Where can I find out more?
To find out more about these programs and to see if there are other living choices that come with services, contact your local Center for Independent Living, Area Agency on Aging, Department of Social Services, or Community Services Board.
If you'd like to view additional articles related to housing with services, choose from the following topics: