Care Options

The paths chosen by people as they age are influenced by myriad factors in their lives.   Each situation is different in deciding if, when and how to transition to a less independent living situation.  MARCH has years of experience in helping guide people to the best level of care.  We recognize that each and every person is a whole human being with individual needs and desires and we want to offer assistance through the entire decision process.

To help you find the appropriate level of care for yourself or a loved one a comparison of the three basic models is below.  Assisted Living facilities provide a helping hand for older adults transitioning from a private dwelling.  Nursing Homes are essentially medical facilities for people temporarily or permanently in need of constant care.  Rest Homes bridge the two, with social independence backed up by a support system of residential care and medical offering.

Comparison of Three Levels of Care

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTIAL CARE (rest home) SKILLED NURSING (nursing home)
Regulated by MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs Licensed & Regulated by MA Department of Public Health Licensed & Regulated by MA Department of Public Health
Provide up to 3 meals daily in dining room & social activities Provide 3 meals daily, snacks, social activities & events Provide 3 meals daily, snacks, activities
Housekeeping & laundry services(may require an extra fee) Housekeeping & laundry included Housekeeping & laundry included
Offer 24 hour security 24 hour supervision & security 24 hour skilled nursing, IV drugs, oxygen, injections, mechanical lift transfers
Onsite staff responds to emergencies call 911 Onsite staff respond to emergencies; gives first aid & calls 911 Onsite staff responds to emergencies
May provide oversight of a resident’s self-administration of medication (extra fee) Administers medications; maintains medical record, takes MD orders; coordinates medical care needs Administers medications; maintains medical record, takes MD orders; coordinates medical care needs.
Supervision of bathing/dressing for a set number of hours. Additional hours by fee. Provides assistance with bathing dressing Assistance with all personal care needs; total care
Minor nursing services Licensed nurse available at times RN & LPN coverage 24/7; medical director available for consultation
Resident provides furniture Encourage personal belongings; furniture provided Furniture provided; may have special units for rehab, dementia etc.
Primarily private pay; limited Medicaid slots Mostly subsidized by Medicaid, SSI & private pay Medicare, Medicaid, long term care insurance & private pay