Senior living guidance: how to choose the right level of care
A practical guide for families comparing independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing in New Jersey, Florida and New York. If you'd like help, Unicity Care Management's Placement Services are free to families.
The most common mistake is touring before anyone has assessed what your loved one needs.
Communities can look alike on a tour. The differences that matter are harder to see: how many people work overnight, how medications are handled, and what happens when a resident's needs grow.
Knowing your loved one's real level of need first narrows the list. It also helps you choose a community that can meet needs today and as they change.
Which level of care fits?
| Level of care | Who it usually fits | Help with daily tasks | Nursing care | Who pays, usually |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent living | Older adults who manage on their own and want less upkeep | Little or none | No | Private pay |
| Assisted living | People who need help with bathing, dressing or medications | Yes | Limited, varies by community | Mostly private pay. Some Medicaid programs may help for those who qualify. |
| Memory care | People with dementia who need a secure setting and trained care | Yes | Limited, varies by community | Mostly private pay. Some Medicaid programs may help for those who qualify. |
| Skilled nursing | People who need nursing care around the clock | Yes | Yes, 24 hours | Medicare may cover a short stay after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care is private pay or Medicaid. |
Medicare doesn't pay for long-term assisted living or memory care. Rules for Medicaid differ by state, and an elder law attorney can explain your loved one's options.
Assisted living vs. nursing home: what's the difference?
A nursing home, also called skilled nursing, provides nursing care around the clock. Assisted living helps with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and medications, and nursing care is limited and varies by community. Medicare may cover a short skilled nursing stay after a qualifying hospital stay, but it doesn't pay for long-term assisted living. A care manager's assessment shows which level of care fits your loved one.
Questions to ask any community
These are the questions Unicity Care Management care managers ask on tours. Use them yourself, with or without us.
- How many caregivers and nurses are on duty overnight?
- Who gives medications, and what happens if a dose is missed?
- What happens if my loved one needs more care than you can provide?
- What would cause you to ask a resident to move out?
- How do prices change as care needs increase?
- How do you handle falls, and who calls the family?
- For memory care: how do you respond when a resident is upset or wanders?
- Can I see your most recent state inspection report?
Who oversees senior living where your loved one lives
New Jersey
Assisted living residences and nursing homes are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health. NJ FamilyCare Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) may help pay for assisted living for people who qualify.
Care management in New JerseyFlorida
Assisted living in Florida is licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Florida Medicaid's long-term care program may help eligible residents with assisted living costs.
Care management in FloridaNew York
Assisted living and adult homes in New York are licensed by the New York State Department of Health. Unicity Care Management serves families in Rockland County.
Care management in New YorkHow Unicity Care Management guides the choice
- 1
Assess your loved one
A nurse or social worker reviews health, memory, medications, daily needs, fall risk and budget.
- 2
Agree on the level of care
We explain which level fits and why, and talk it through with your loved one.
- 3
Build a short list
We look at care capability, team stability, inspection history, pricing and location.
- 4
Tour together and review the contract
We ask the hard questions on tours and review the agreement with you before you sign.
- 5
Stay involved after the move
Records, medications and doctors get updated, and we check in to see how your loved one is adjusting.
Senior living questions
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?
Assisted living helps with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and medications. Memory care adds a secure setting and caregivers trained to support people with dementia. Many communities offer both in separate areas.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare doesn't cover long-term assisted living or memory care. Most families pay privately, and some state Medicaid programs may help people who qualify.
When is it time to move a loved one to assisted living?
Common signs include falls, missed medications, weight loss, unsafe driving or a home that has become hard to manage. A care manager's assessment can show whether more help at home or a move makes more sense.
Is guidance from Unicity Care Management really free?
Yes. There is no cost to the family for Placement Services. Unicity Care Management receives a placement fee from the senior living community when a client moves into a recommended community.
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in New Jersey?
It can. New Jersey's Medicaid program for long-term care, called MLTSS, covers care services in assisted living for people who qualify, and the community has to accept Medicaid. Your loved one may still pay part of the room and board. Our article on Medicaid and assisted living in New Jersey explains the rules.
Schedule a free consultation
Planning for yourself or for someone you care about? A free consultation with Unicity Care Management is a good place to start.
During this conversation, we will:
- Look for any immediate safety risks
- Sort out your timeline
- Talk through your options
- Recommend specific next steps
You don't need a plan before you call. We'll help you create one.
Referring someone to Unicity Care Management?
Attorneys, advisors, physicians, discharge planners and agencies have their own page.
For Referral Partners