Consumer Information: Types of Care

Care and services for the aging are frequently listed by type of service, as listed below. For details on each type of service as well as a list of providers, click on each link.

Continuing Care

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) combine the programs of independent housing (with supportive services as needed), assisted living and nursing home care emphasizing “wellness,” autonomy and independence. This type of care provides a comprehensive array of services in one location tailored to the resident’s needs, abilities and preferences, and continues to meet those needs in a familiar setting as the resident grows older or as needs change.

Nursing Facilities

A nursing home is a health care facility, licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, that offers a protective, therapeutic environment for those who need rehabilitative care or can no longer live independently because of chronic physical or mental conditions that require round-the-clock care.

Senior Housing

Typically, senior housing consists of apartments, condominiums and cottages where admission may be limited to those over 55 years of age and which are specially designed to accommodate the needs and preferences of older adults. While they provide a secure, residential environment, they do not provide the type of extensive health care associated with nursing homes or assisted living.

Senior housing offers privacy and independent living in buildings that are safe and well-maintained. Many are architecturally designed to address some of the physical limitations that growing older may bring. For example, bathrooms may be equipped with handrails and grab bars or electrical outlets placed within easier reach. Many are equipped with 24-hour emergency call systems.

Assisted Living

Assisted living offers a variety of services for those who need daily assistance but do not require constant nursing care. Although there is no uniform model, assisted living facilities emphasize the resident’s autonomy and independence in selecting those services the resident desires.

Only facilities licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health are legally authorized to provide services, and may be part of a retirement community, nursing home, senior housing development or may stand alone.

Adult Day Services

Adult Day Service programs are designed to assist older adults to remain in their own homes and/or to assist family members in coping with their the responsibilities of care giving. The program assists participants in sustaining or improving self-sufficiency as they benefit from involvement in organized activities and social interaction with others. The caregiver receives the benefit of knowing that their loved ones are properly cared for while they carry out their daily activities.