It’s important to many seniors to stay in their home as they age, but chronic conditions and injuries can sometimes make that difficult. Home care has helped elderly individuals age in place, but there are many decisions for family caregivers to make when it comes to selecting the right level of care, including the duration of the assistance.

Short-term care providers are a good idea for seniors who are recovering from a sudden illness or injury. For instance, if an older adult breaks his or her hip during a fall or is getting back to full strength after stroke, he or she may need help for only several months. The assistance can range from helping with bathing and dressing to meal preparation and homemaking.

Though short-term care eventually ends once a senior has recovered, long-term care is suitable for older adults with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or disability. Depending on the severity of the disease, some long-term care recipients might need more substantial services such as skilled nurses or companionship care.

Both short-and long-term care can help seniors age in place, which offers considerable benefits. Living at home can provide a sense of belonging and social engagement that seniors often can’t find at nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It is also good for their mood, which is inextricably linked to their physical well-being.