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Resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis

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How to Prepare, Plan, and Be Present \ Finding Care Outside of the Home

Finding Care Outside of the Home

Available in: Español

Alternatives to in-home care, or “care outside of the home,” are facilities that can give residents a level of continuous support that may not be possible when caregiving happens at home. CaringInfo is here to help you understand the alternatives to in-home care. Explore this section to learn about “care not at home” options and important considerations for patient care, so that you can make the right decisions at the right time.

In this section, you will learn about:

  • What to Consider When Planning Alternatives to In-Home Care
  • Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community
  • Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
  • Choosing and Paying for a Nursing Home
  • What to Know About Skilled Nursing Facilities and Receiving Skilled Nursing Services
A person thinking about the alternatives to care in the home.

What to Consider When Planning to Find Alternatives to In-Home Care

Two people discuss moving care out of the home. A speech balloon has a drawing of a moving truck in it.

There may be many reasons to consider moving a patient who has previously been receiving in-home care to a different facility. The decisions are not about where care will be delivered, but about what the patient needs on a day-to-day basis.

Learn about:

  • Where should I start when considering care out of the home?
  • How do I discuss moving care from home with my loved one?
  • What are key questions I should use to help find right the care option?
  • How can I find facilities that are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community?

What Are Alternatives to In-Home Care?

A person researching the alternatives to in-home care

There are several types of facilities that provide care outside of the home. Nursing homes are only one option that is available to help support caregivers and patients. Other options may have better services for independent seniors; others yet may have better services for more intensive care.

Learn about:

  • What are Continuing Care Retirement Communities?
  • How are Assisted Living Facilities different from Nursing Homes?
  • What services do Nursing Homes provide?
  • Do Nursing Homes provide hospice?

What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

A doctor speaks to a patient in their bed.

A skilled nursing facility provides a temporary residence for patients that are undergoing medically necessary rehabilitation treatment. They may be found in the same building as nursing homes, which can cause confusion when discussing care options. Learn about the differences in services provided by skilled nursing facilities versus nursing homes so that you can make an informed decision.

Learn about:

  • What is the Difference Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home?
  • How Is Skilled Nursing Care Paid For?

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A program of the National Alliance for Care at Home

About

CaringInfo, a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home, provides free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care and services. CaringInfo’s goal is that all people are making informed decisions about their care. Learn more about CaringInfo.

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