Senior care options explained
The senior care landscape can feel like alphabet soup. Here's a clear, neutral map of every option — so you can find the right fit for your loved one in Central Ohio.
In short: senior care ranges from non-medical companion care at home to skilled nursing in a facility. The right choice comes down to three things — how much daily help is needed, whether any of it is medical, and where your loved one most wants to live.
Senior care options at a glance
| Option | Where | Medical? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Companion care | Own home | No | Company + daily help; largely independent |
| Personal care | Own home | No (hands-on) | Help with bathing, dressing, mobility |
| Home health | Own home | Yes | Short-term skilled nursing/therapy |
| Adult day program | Community center | Varies | Daytime socialization + caregiver respite |
| Assisted living | Residential community | Some | Housing + meals + personal care |
| Memory care | Secured community | Some | Alzheimer's/dementia with safety needs |
| Skilled nursing | Facility | Yes (24/7) | Complex, ongoing medical needs |
In-home options
Companion care (non-medical)
Company and everyday help — conversation, meals, housekeeping, errands, transportation, and medication reminders. Best for older adults who are largely independent but benefit from support and connection. This is what Haven Grove provides; learn more in our companion care guide.
Personal care
Adds hands-on help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Often provided by aides and typically licensed.
Home health care
Clinical, medically necessary care at home from licensed professionals (nurses, physical/occupational therapists), usually physician-ordered and time-limited.
Community & facility options
Adult day programs
Group-based daytime care and activities outside the home, offering socialization and respite for family caregivers.
Assisted living
Residential communities providing housing, meals, and personal care support while encouraging independence.
Memory care
Specialized residential care and programming for people with Alzheimer's or dementia, in secured settings with trained staff. See our dementia and Alzheimer's guides.
Skilled nursing
The highest level of daily medical care outside a hospital, for complex or ongoing clinical needs.
How to choose
Start with three questions: How much daily help is needed? Is any of it medical? Where does your loved one most want to live? Many families begin with companion care to support aging in place, layering in other services only as needs grow. When comparing providers, use our how to choose a provider and questions to ask guides.
Local resources in Central Ohio
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) and the Ohio Department of Aging offer free, unbiased information and referral to help families weigh options across Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, and the surrounding communities. Haven Grove serves families throughout Central Ohio with non-medical companion care.
Common questions
Which senior care option is least expensive?
For part-time needs, in-home companion care is often the most affordable because you pay only for the hours used; heavy or medical needs can shift the comparison. See paying for home care.
Can we combine options?
Yes — many families pair companion care with occasional home health or therapy, using each for what it does best.
Related: Companion care guide · Paying for care · Aging in place · FAQ