Now that you're becoming more aware of your loved one's needs, it's time to look at the care options available in different situations. This knowledge will be useful in discussions you may have with your loved one and ultimately in making decisions as required. Some overall goals in exploring care options are to find:

• A safe and worry-free environment in which your loved one can experience independence, privacy, and dignity, with few disruptions to daily life.
• A place that provides expert care, not only of one type but of several. That way, if your loved one's needs change, the service can provide the new care needed and your loved one does not have to relocate.
• A place that offers as many “everyday life” options as possible, to permit choices and give variety.
• Encouragement for your loved one’s continuing involvement with you, the family, and the broader society.
• A financial arrangement that offers long-term stability and security.

In the following sections we'll look at several types of services and how they can be of help.

*Assisted Care in Massachusetts