Home care helps individuals live independently for as long as possible. It covers a wide range of services, medical and non-medical and can often delay the need for moving to a long term care community. Home care agencies are divided into medical and non-medical home health.

Community services are support services that can include adult day care, meal programs, senior centers, transportation and other services. These can help people who are cared for at home as well as their families

Supportive housing programs offer low-cost housing to individuals with low to moderate incomes. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and State or local governments may offer these programs. Residents generally live in their own apartments and may receive help with personal and everyday living tasks.

Assisted living provides 24-hour supervision, assistance, meals and health care services in a home-like setting. Residents may have a small apartment or room of their own with a bathroom. Size and costs of these communities is highly variable.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) provide a full range of services and care based on what each resident needs over time. Care usually is provided in one of three main stages: independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing.

Long Term Care Communities (Nursing homes) offer care to people who cannot be cared for at home or in the community. They provide skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, meals, activities, help with daily living and supervision.