Frequently Asked Questions


Our team of senior care experts have decades of experience helping individuals and families navigate the senior care journey. Both personally and professionally, we have experienced the often confusing and frustrating process of trying to search and find quality information to help make informed decisions for loved ones.

While each provider does their best to provide accurate and up to date information about their services on company websites and brochures, we were never able to find an all-inclusive resource to search, compare and select the best senior care. We found care seekers looking for an all-inclusive online resource where they could search and compare providers, while nothing like it existed.

There are certainly options available for individuals to connect with contract agents who help ease the burden of the search process. While these contract agency services might be free to the care seeker, providers pay a fee for each referral they receive. We still believe in the value of these agents for those who need extra guidance or cannot do it on their own. However, we feel a free service like Senior Care Finder can be a great alternative resource.

The only bias we have is to provide full transparency. We allow a care seeker to search based on proximity or quality ratings and then compare similar providers side-by-side and share those results with others. We believe this is the best process to help search, compare, and find the best senior care.

There is NO charge to senior care providers OR to care seekers for this service. We do not contract with providers for a referral fee when care seekers contact a provider or select their services. Our goal is to connect care seekers with quality providers without any barriers and let the provider do the rest.

Senior Care Finder provides paid Premium Memberships. Which allows providers to stand out amongst their competition and receive premium placement.

Senior Care Finder is not a contract agent or a paid lead generation service and does not charge providers. A care seeker does not need to provide any of their personal information in order to view providers in their area or conduct a comprehensive search on Senior Care Finder.

There are over 75,000 listings on the site, however, we see a dramatic increase in traffic to provider pages with photos and more detailed content. In addition, those listings that are ‘Verified’ and have this information, also show up at the top of search results.

Active adult living refers to a housing and community lifestyle designed for people aged 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired, but still lead active, independent lives. These communities are also referred to as 55+ communities or age-restricted communities and focus on offering amenities, activities, and social opportunities that cater to healthy, active seniors who want to enjoy a more vibrant lifestyle while remaining independent. Active adult living is ideal for people who seek a supportive, community-driven environment but don’t need medical or personal care assistance.

Active adult living differs from independent living in that it places a greater priority on lifestyle and activities, with residents managing their own daily needs, such as cooking and cleaning, rather than relying on provided services. Common features of active adult living often include:

  • Fitness Centers and Recreational Facilities, such as
    • Gyms and Swimming Pools
    • Walking or Biking Trails
    • Golf Courses or Pickleball Courts
  • Social and Hobby Clubs
  • Maintenance-Free or Low-Maintenance Living
  • No or Minimal Healthcare Services
  • Convenient Locations

Active adult living communities offer an ideal solution for older adults looking to downsize and simplify their lives while maintaining a vibrant, independent, and active lifestyle. With a focus on recreation, socialization, and minimal maintenance, these communities provide the perfect environment for individuals who want to enjoy their retirement years with like-minded peers in a community that supports physical activity, hobbies, and new experiences.

What is Active Adult Living?

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Independent living refers to a type of housing arrangement designed for older adults, typically 55 and older, who can live independently but want the convenience of a community that provides certain amenities and a maintenance-free lifestyle. This option is ideal for seniors who don’t need assistance with daily life but are looking to downsize from a larger home and enjoy a more simplified, community-focused environment. Independent living communities often offer:

  • Private Living Spaces
  • Community Amenities, such as:
    • Dining Centers or On-Site Restaurants
    • Fitness Centers and Swimming Pools
    • Scheduled Social Activities
    • Libraries, Game, and Media Rooms
  • Maintenance Free Living, to include:
    • Housekeeping
    • Laundry
    • Transportation
  • Social Environment
  • Safety and Security

Independent living is an ideal choice for older adults who want to maintain their independence while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere. With the focus on lifestyle, convenience, and social opportunities, it allows seniors to live with fewer responsibilities and more time to pursue hobbies, relationships, and personal interests. It’s a perfect blend of freedom and community for those who are ready to move into a more simplified and supportive living arrangement without sacrificing their autonomy.

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Assisted living, also referred to as senior living, is a residential, home-like option, designed to offer a balance between independence and support, ensuring that seniors can live as autonomously as possible while receiving help with essential activities when necessary. The living spaces are designed to be accessible, often with safety features such as handrails, emergency call systems, and wheelchair-friendly layouts. Unlike traditional homes, these environments are structured to offer a sense of security and ease for those who might struggle with mobility or cognitive challenges.

Assisted living facilities often offer high quality dining services, activities, and access to amenities such as a chapel, movie theatre, exercise facility, etc. Assisted living is the right choice if you are seeking:

  • In-house dining services (often 3 meals per day)
  • Medication management
  • Housekeeping and laundry services
  • Nurse aide and licensed nursing services
  • Assistance with eating, bathing, toileting, walking, etc.
  • Dementia or memory care support
  • Exercise and wellness activities
  • Transportation
  • Security
  • Socialization

Assisted living is a middle ground between independent living and full-time care facilities like nursing homes. While assisted living facilities do not have a required quality rating system, you can still compare and evaluate the amenities and services offered by searching here.

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Memory care communities typically feature safe, secure, and structured environments where staff can closely monitor the well-being of residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Employees often provide meals and help residents with personal care tasks, just like the staff at an assisted living facility. They are also specially trained to deal with the unique issues that often arise because of dementia or Alzheimer’s and check in with residents more frequently to help them navigate their day. Memory care communities typically offer programs, activities, and events that are specifically designed to help individuals work on their cognitive abilities, while continuing to enjoy familiar hobbies.

A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or long-term care, is a residential care option for individuals who need continuous medical supervision and assistance with daily activities. The services they provide are more focused on medical care than assisted living facilities. A skilled nursing facility often provides:

  • Nursing Care
  • Supervision
  • 3 Meals each day
  • Assistance with Daily Activities
  • Rehabilitation Services

People may need an SNF if they are sick, have been injured, are recovering from surgery, or have chronic care needs or disabilities that require ongoing nursing care. An SNF is typically the highest level of care outside of a hospital setting with round-the-clock nursing services. Some people can have a brief stay at a nursing home after being in the hospital as they work on their rehab. But many residents of nursing homes live there permanently as they have ongoing care needs.

Contrary to some beliefs, a person can still maintain their independence in a long-term care facility with the help from family and friends. Many SNFs now look and feel much more like home, rather than the traditional nursing homes of the past. See for yourself by

How To: Find the Best Nursing Home

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Medicare-certified home health care refers to home health care services provided by an agency that has been approved by Medicare. These services are delivered in the patient's home and are designed to help individuals recover from an illness, injury, or manage a chronic condition while remaining in a familiar environment. For the home health agency to be certified, it must meet specific Medicare requirements for quality and safety. Key features of Medicare-Certified home health care include:

  • Skilled Nursing Care
  • Therapies, such as Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapy
  • Hospice and Palliative Care, which includes pain management, spiritual and emotional support, as well as end-of-life planning
  • Care Management, such as medication reconciliation, and support in arranging and attending follow-up doctor visits

To be eligible for home health care, a hospital stay is required, as well as a referral from a physician or medical professional. The patient must be homebound, care must be prescribed by a doctor, and the need for services must be intermittent.

Medicare-certified home health care offers essential medical and therapeutic services to individuals in the comfort of their own homes. It ensures high standards of care by meeting Medicare's quality and safety requirements, helping patients recover from illnesses, manage chronic conditions, or regain independence. With skilled nursing, therapies, and support from home health aides, this service promotes healing and well-being for those who are homebound and need intermittent care.

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Hospice care is a specialized form of care focused on providing comfort and support to individuals with a terminal illness, typically when curative treatment is no longer effective or desired. Hospice is merely a way to manage chronic conditions with support from licensed, trained, and spiritual care teams. The main goal of hospice is to provide pain and symptom relief, while reducing the burden on family caregivers. Hospice and palliative care can be provided, wherever you call home, allowing a person to age with the dignity and support they need. Key components of hospice care include:

  • Pain and Symptom Management
  • Emotional and Spiritual Support
  • Personal Care Assistance
  • Family Support to help families cope with the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving
  • Medical Services including nursing care, medication management, and help with medical equipment needed for comfort

Hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances, and is intended for patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less, although care can be extended if needed. The care is holistic, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs to provide a peaceful and supportive environment for the patient and their loved ones.

What is Hospice?

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Non-medical home care, also known as companion care or private duty care, does not offer medical support, but rather, aids with daily living activities in the comfort of your own home. Home care professionals are often trained and qualified to provide personalized in-home services such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and companionship.

Often, family and friends provide loved ones with regular check-ins and the support they need to remain independent at home. However, this support can be sporadic and infrequent and potentially compromise the safety and wellbeing of the loved one. Non-medical home care can step in and provide a more regular and consistent support system, relieving the burden and responsibility from family and friends, and allowing your loved ones to retain their independence.

Non-medical home care providers can offer a wide array of services such as:

  • Personal Care Assistance
  • Companionship
  • Meal Preparation
  • Transportation
  • Light Housekeeping, such as cleaning, laundry, and errands

Non-medical home care is especially beneficial for seniors, individuals with disabilities, or those who need a little extra support to maintain their independence and quality of life at home. With compassionate caregivers offering personalized support, this type of care ensures comfort and dignity and helps people maintain their independence and continue living life on their own terms in a familiar and loving environment.

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Adult day care is designed to relieve a person’s caregiver of daytime duties while providing the proper care for the individual in a safe and caring environment. These services provide care and companionship for older adults who need assistance or supervision, and for those who seek daily interaction. Often in a non-residential facility, adult day cares are typically open during weekday business hours when a family member or caregiver is working.

There are three main types of adult day care centers:

  • those focused mainly on social interaction
  • those that provide medical care
  • those dedicated to Alzheimer’s and memory support

You may find an adult day care center that offers all these services in one place. Adult day care is often affiliated with or located within other senior care organizations such as independent living and assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care communities.

Adult day care centers typically provide:

  • Social activities
  • Assistance with daily tasks
  • Occupational, physical, and speech therapy
  • Educational and exercise programs
  • Health monitoring and podiatry care
  • Preparation of meals and snacks
  • Transportation services

There are more than 7,500 adult day care centers in the U.S. that provide services to older adults, according to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA). For family caregivers, adult day care centers offer a break from constant caregiving duties and enable them to continue working without worrying about their loved one’s safety.

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If you are a senior care provider and have the authorization to make changes to your listing, follow these step-by-step instructions to claim your listing!

  1. Search for your listing by provider name, city, county, or zip code.
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  2. Once you have found your listing, click the “Claim Listing” button in the top right corner of the provider details box. Claim listing image
  3. You will receive an email notification when your claim is approved!
  4. Once approved, you will have the ability to add photos, videos, a detailed description, and provide updated contact information.

Click here to search for your listing!

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Click here to notify us if you believe it may have been incorrectly claimed.

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