If you are 83 and living alone is no longer safe or practical, a nursing home is not the only option. The best choice depends on how much help you need and what is available where you live.
1. Assisted living
You have your own room or small apartment but receive help with things like bathing, dressing, meals, medicines, and housekeeping. This is often a good middle ground between living alone and a nursing home.
2. Independent living with support
You live in a senior apartment or community and have meals, transportation, housekeeping, or other services available. This works best if you are mostly independent but need some assistance.
3. Home care
You can remain at home while a paid caregiver visits for several hours a day—or, where available and affordable, provides much more extensive support. Family members can sometimes share the care.
4. Live-in caregiver
A caregiver stays in your home and helps with daily activities. This can provide more support than occasional home-care visits, although it can be expensive and requires careful arrangements.
5. Adult day care
You remain at home but spend part of the day at a supervised senior center. You may receive meals, activities, social interaction, and help with personal care while giving family caregivers a break.
6. Moving in with family
If appropriate, you might live with a son, daughter, sibling, or another trusted person. Sometimes a separate room, converted garage, or small apartment can provide privacy while keeping help nearby.
7. Small residential care home
Instead of a large nursing facility, some communities have small homes serving a few older adults. They may provide meals, supervision, and personal care in a more home-like environment.
8. Continuing-care retirement community
Where available, these communities offer different levels of care in one place. You may start with relatively independent living and move to assisted care later if your needs increase.
Choosing the right option
Think about what you actually need help with:
- Meals and housekeeping only: independent senior housing or home help may be enough.
- Bathing, dressing, or medicines: assisted living or regular home care may be better.
