Considering residential care options

As the disease progresses, your relative will need more help. You might consider alternative housing options. For example:

• Assisted living. If your loved one needs support with personal care and daily activities, such as meal preparation, but doesn't need skilled medical care, he or she might be well-suited for an assisted living facility.

  These facilities are also known as board and care, adult living or supported care. Your loved one might live in an apartment or suite of his or her own or share a living space with other residents.

• Specialized dementia care. If your relative needs more supervision or help than what's available through a traditional assisted living facility, he or she might benefit from "memory care" assisted living.

  While specific services vary, these facilities generally offer specialized staff training and structure the day around meaningful engagement and activities based on the individual's preferences and strengths. Visual cues, such as signs or pictures, are often used to help residents maintain independence. Enhanced safety measures such as secured exits are typical.

• Nursing home. If your loved one needs skilled medical care, a nursing home might be the best option. Nursing homes provide room and board and round-the-clock supervision and medical care.

  Some nursing homes have special accommodations for people with Alzheimer's — the environment, activities and philosophy of care revolve around their needs.