Where to Start
Understanding Care Options
Choosing care for yourself or someone you love can feel overwhelming. Whether you are planning ahead, responding to a recent health change or seeking support during a difficult season, you are not alone. Concordia is here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Start With What Matters Most Right Now
Every journey into care begins a little differently. Many people arrive here with one of these thoughts in mind.
- “We want to plan ahead before a crisis.”
- “Something has changed and we need help now.”
- “My loved one is coming home from the hospital.”
- “I want to stay independent but with less worry.”
- “We need comfort, guidance and support at the end of life.”
No matter your situation, the right place to start is understanding your options and knowing who can help guide you.
Understanding Your Care Options
Independent/Retirement Living
Retirement living, also known as independent living, is ideal for adults 68 and older who are active, capable of managing daily life and looking for fewer responsibilities and more freedom to enjoy each day. It offers a private accommodation lifestyle with services and amenities that support independence and connection.
This may be the right place to start if you or your loved one:
- Wants less home maintenance and upkeep
- Values social connection and community
- Lives independently but prefers added convenience and peace of mind
- Is typically 68 or older and planning ahead
Personal Care/Assisted Living
Personal care and assisted living provides apartment-style living (private or semi-private accommodations) with 24-hour support for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meals, mobility and more. Residents receive personalized assistance while maintaining dignity and meaningful routines.
In Pennsylvania, personal care and assisted living are closely related levels of care, with assisted living governed by slightly different regulations.
This may be the right place to start if you or your loved one:
- Needs help with daily activities
- Would benefit from on-demand support at any time of day
- Feels safer with regular assistance nearby
- Wants a supportive, home-like environment
Memory Care
Memory care provides specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Care is delivered in a secure, structured environment designed to promote comfort, familiarity and meaningful engagement while supporting each resident’s unique needs.
Specially trained caregivers provide assistance with daily routines, safety monitoring and activities that encourage connection, reduce anxiety and help residents experience each day with dignity.
This may be the right place to start if you or your loved one:
- Has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another memory-related condition
- Needs a secure environment for safety and peace of mind
- Experiences confusion, wandering or changes in behavior
- Would benefit from structured routines and specialized support
Long-Term Nursing Care
Long-term nursing care, often referred to as nursing home care, provides around-the-clock medical care in a residential setting for individuals with complex or ongoing health needs. Care is delivered through a personalized program coordinated by an interdisciplinary care team that may include a medical director, nurses, therapists, social workers, dietitians and other clinical professionals. Insurance may pay for part of long-term nursing care, depending on coverage and eligibility.
This option offers consistent medical oversight in a secure, supportive environment for individuals who can no longer be safely cared for at home.
This may be the right place to start if you or your loved one:
- Needs assistance with daily activities such as personal hygiene, meals, mobility and transportation
- Requires twenty-four-hour professional care and medical supervision
- Has complex health conditions that need ongoing monitoring
- Is comfortable transitioning from home to a residential care setting
Short-Term Rehabilitation
Short-term rehabilitation supports individuals recovering from surgery, illness or injury. Therapy services focus on strength, mobility and confidence so patients can safely return home or transition to the next level of care.
This may be the right place to start if you or your loved one:
- Is being discharged from a hospital or surgery or has a procedure coming up
- Needs physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Wants coordinated care focused on recovery and independence
- Is seeking to reduce the risk of hospital readmission
In-Home Health Care
In-home health care allows patients to receive skilled medical services in the comfort of home, following a physician’s plan of care. Services may include skilled nursing, therapy, disease management and coordination with physicians.
This may be the right place to start if you or your loved one:
- Has a specific medical diagnosis requiring skilled care but is homebound
- Needs therapy or nursing support at home
- Prefers to remain at home while recovering or managing illness
- Requires coordinated medical oversight
Hospice Services
Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life when curative treatment is no longer beneficial. Care is provided wherever the patient calls home and includes physical, emotional and spiritual support for both patients and families.
This may be the right place to start if you or your loved one:
- Has a terminal diagnosis
- Needs symptom management and comfort-focused care
- Desires spiritual and emotional support
- Wants guidance and compassion for the entire family