Dorian,
I just want to add that like you mentioned, there is continuing care that combines those 3 options. But the new home my father-in-law is in has different dimension. First of all, it requires that one has at least mid-stage memory problem. They also have 2 wings - one for the mid-stage or mobile residents, and the other wing is for the residents who need at least 2 people's help (late stage or sicker.)
For both wings, there are nurse stations. My FIL does not need 24 hours nursing care, but he needs 24 hours personal care or watch. So he is in the better wing although he has late stage of AD.
We chose this one because they allow catheters, but not feeding tube. They have palliative care also. We do not wish to move my FIL unless needed. Besides, this home does not look like a skilled care home that looks like a hospital and is depressing. The problem with the skilled care nursing home is it is more like an institution and we don't like to put him in such place yet.
However, overall they are all nursing home for the elders given different terminology or special terms.
Take care,
Nina
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Dorian,
Thanks for the post. It is true that sometimes we need to consider alternative for the elders with Alzheimer's. A private home may not be the best solution. I just read about a comment saying her Mom used to be stay-at-home Mom so she keeps her Mom at home with the CNA's help. Everyone is different and there is a different timing for the change. e.g., my father-in-law used to be at home alone for 5 years with home care CNAs. Lately this year, he was getting sicker and disoriented. At first, we thought it was the staging, but it turned out that he needed the change and structure in the current home - the assisted living home. He is a guy that works all the time even now. Due to his emeritus professor status, this new home gives him a sense of working (it is a working environment for caregivers and nurses/doctor.) As the result, he likes this home better than the old house he lived in. In fact, the old house confused him because no one lives upstairs and there is basement for laundry. It is an open environment. Now he is healthier in the new home - eating well and has things to do.
You are right, there is a time for the change. We are glad we did the right change and it is individual choice and not everyone is the same. Some people can stay home all the way given the resources.
Regards,
Nina