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Senior Resources

Where Should I Live? What do I need?

If you're at this site you're probably looking for a housing alternative for you or a loved one. You might be thinking, "Where should I live? What do I need?" We've designed this tool to help you determine what type of housing would be most appropriate for you based on your needs. The housing options we suggest include independent living, assisted living (Community Based Residential Facility or Residential Community Apartment Complex) or skilled nursing. We also recommend when home health agencies might be suitable to your needs.

Please note: This is not a professional medical diagnosis or assessment. The advice you receive on this website is merely a recommendation based on your answers. To receive an accurate diagnosis, please consult with your healthcare professional.

You must select one choice for each category.

Dressing

	Totally independent in dressing; dresses appropriately in social settings and weather conditions.
	May require some assistance with certain clothing, including shoes, socks, zippers and buttons. May need reminders to initiate dressing.
	Totally dependent on others for dressing.

Housekeeping

	Independent in performing all major household duties including laundry, cleaning, dusting, bed-making etc.
	Individual may need assistance with major household duties including laundry, cleaning, dusting, bed-making etc.
	Needs all laundry and housekeeping services provided.

Hygiene

	Individual can manage all daily hygiene including bathing, dressing, shaving, etc. Doesn’t need any reminders or initiation.
	Individual needs assistance with daily hygiene or reminders to get started.
	Individual is totally dependent on others for hygiene and personal care issues.

Medications

	Able to self-administer all medications w/ proper dosages.
	Needs reminders to take medication, or needs occasional supervision to ensure dosages are taken accurately and timely.
	Needs total supervision of medication from licensed personnel

Memory

	Overall, individual has minimal memory problems and no obvious patterns of memory loss. Memory is intact and individual is alert and oriented to environment.
	Some memory problems require occasional reminders to do certain activities. Individual may not always be oriented to time and may have short-term memory impaired.
	Memory is severely impaired and individual needs to be in a constantly supervised environment. Exit seeking and wandering may be common.

Mobility

	Able to move about independently without assistance. Capable of following directions in emergency situation with no supervision.
	Individual is mobile, but needs some assistance (e.g. walker, help with transfers) and is at risk due to confusion, poor vision, weakness or other health problems. May require guidance in an evacuation situation.
	Needs total assistance in transfers such as getting out of bed, getting in and out of a chair and getting to and from the toilet. Needs assistance when walking.

Nutrition

	Can prepare meals and eat without assistance. Is aware of proper nutrition needs.
	Can do occasional meal preparation, but needs main dinners prepared due to health or lack of motivation.
	Needs meals prepared and help in opening containers or cutting food. Needs a supervised environment when eating meals.
	Totally dependent on others for nutrition needs including meal preparation, reminders, assistance with feeding or tube feeding.

Toileting

	Totally independent and continent. If some incontinence issues arise able to handle them with the proper supplies.
	Individual has some incontinence issues that require occasional and minimal assistance from others. Overall, can manage incontinence issues independently with proper supplies
	Cannot manage incontinence independently. Needs assistance in handling supplies or has uncontrollable incontinence issues.

Senior Resources