Assisted living Homes are also called personal care homes. Traditionally they’re for people who don’t need skilled nurses, but do need help with personal care tasks such as brushing their teeth and showering. Memory care (specialized caregiving for dementia patients) is available in some personal care homes. Some of these facilities are combined with nursing homes to provide what’s called “a continuum of care.” Nursing homes add skilled medical care.

1. How do people pay for assisted living?
People tend to private pay for assisted living with more than one funding source. Spending a few hours with a geriatric planner (or estate planner) could be very valuable.

2. How old are the residents in assisted living centers?
People of all ages might need assisted living, so assisted living centers have different population profiles. Some personal care homes operated by the VA, for instance, are multigenerational and serve soldiers as young as 18.

State laws provide age guidelines for assisted care centers meant especially for seniors. Common age minimums are 55, 62 and 65.

3. What pets are allowed?
Finding an assisted living center that accepts pets is tricky, but an increasing number of assisted living centers are pet-friendly, especially to cats and small dogs. Some offer pet care services such as grooming and walking.

4. How independent are the residents of assisted living centers?
Residents of assisted living centers generally need support with two or more activities of daily living (ADLs) such as getting out of bed, using the toilet or taking a bath. In facilities tailored for memory care, patients get 24-hour supervision for safety against wandering and other dementia-related risks.