Compare Senior Care Options
Not sure which type of care is right? Our side-by-side comparisons break down costs, care levels, pros and cons — with Arizona-specific pricing and Medicaid coverage details.
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
The biggest difference is the level of medical care. Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily activities but not round-the-clock medical supervision. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care for complex health conditions.
Assisted Living vs Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living designed for residents with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other cognitive conditions. The key difference is the secured environment and specialized staff training that memory care provides.
Assisted Living vs Independent Living
Independent living is for active seniors who don't need help with daily activities but want a maintenance-free lifestyle with social opportunities. Assisted living adds personal care support — help with bathing, dressing, medications, and meals.
Assisted Living vs In-Home Care
In-home care brings a caregiver to your existing home. Assisted living means moving to a community. The right choice depends on how much care is needed, social preferences, and total cost when factoring in housing expenses.
Memory Care vs Nursing Home
Both provide high levels of care, but for different needs. Memory care specializes in dementia and Alzheimer's with secured environments and cognitive therapies. Nursing homes focus on complex medical conditions requiring 24/7 skilled nursing.
Assisted Living vs Board and Care Home
Board and care homes (also called residential care homes or group homes) are smaller, home-based facilities with 2-15 residents. Assisted living communities are larger facilities with 20-200+ residents. Arizona has a particularly strong board and care market.
Nursing Home vs In-Home Care
Nursing homes provide 24/7 skilled medical care in a facility. In-home care brings caregivers to your home. The choice depends on medical complexity, care hours needed, and whether staying home is safe and practical.
Independent Living vs Staying Home
Should your parent move to an independent living community or stay in their house? This is often the first senior living decision families face. It comes down to safety, social connection, finances, and lifestyle preferences.
Respite Care vs Long-Term Care
Respite care is temporary — usually 1-4 weeks — giving family caregivers a break. Long-term care is an ongoing arrangement. Understanding the difference helps families plan and may serve as a trial run before committing to a move.
Adult Day Care vs Assisted Living
Adult day care provides supervised activities and care during daytime hours while seniors continue living at home. Assisted living is a full-time residential community. Adult day care can be a stepping stone or a long-term complement to family caregiving.
CCRC vs Standalone Assisted Living
A CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care/nursing on one campus. Standalone assisted living is a single-level community. CCRCs cost more upfront but guarantee future care without moving.
Still Not Sure?
Our local advisor will assess your loved one's needs and recommend the best type of care — completely free, no obligation.