We all need a little help now and then. And when we do, we typically get it without much fanfare. But sometimes when seniors require some assistance, family can slip into panic mode and automatically think “nursing home,” which may not be the best solution.

“In 1994, there was a big shift in long-term care options,” said Deborah Poulton, director of residential services at Eastern Agency on Aging, which operates Freeses Assisted Living in downtown Bangor. “Up until then, basically, the elderly lived at home or moved to a nursing home or boarding home. Now there are more long-term care options.”

“Assisted Housing Programs” is the umbrella term used for senior housing complexes that provide some sort of services.

Basically, there are three types:

. Independent housing with services, defined as apartment complexes. Each individual apartment is complete with kitchen and bathroom. Such facilities are not required to be licensed by the state and services may include a meal a day served in a common dining room and light housekeeping. Services vary depending on the facility. If personal care services are necessary, the resident may contract with an agency from the outside.

. Residential care facilities, formerly known as boarding homes and adult foster homes. These provide similar types of services as the independent housing, but also include help with personal care and medication administration. Licensing is required if these services are provided. The residents live in one room or a shared room, as opposed to an individual apartment.

. Assisted living programs. These provide residents with their own apartments and services which include meals, housekeeping, laundry, medication administration and personal care. As with residential care, there are 24-hour staffing and emergency call systems.

All these facilities vary in size and price, whether subsidies are available or are private pay, and in the full range of services offered. Eligibility guidelines for occupancy vary as well.

With all these choices, it is sometimes hard to know what to do or which questions to ask.

Poulton emphasized the following questions as a good place to start:

. What types of services are provided?

. Is this apartment living or a single room?

. What is the cost of the service package and what is included?

. Is there subsidy or MaineCare coverage for some or all of the cost?

. Is the facility licensed? If personal care or medication administration is part of the service, licensing is required.

. What level of supervision or security is provided? This is important if wandering or dementia is an issue.

. Is there staff on duty around the clock?

It is also a good idea to request a copy of the program description and admission criteria to better determine the limitations of the service.

“Most importantly, visit and tour the facility and discuss philosophy of care with the director and staff,” said Poulton. “Also make note of the interaction between staff and residents. Is it friendly and warm or does it seem strained? Do the residents seem happy? These are all things to look for.”

Also keep in mind that sometimes there is no need for the older person to relocate at all. There are home-based care agencies that provide scheduled assistance to people in their homes, from a few hours a week to around-the-clock care. These agencies provide a wide range of services, like those offered in an assisted living setting, that are based on the older person’s needs.

If you’d like more information, call Eastern Agency on Aging. We can explain all the senior housing options available and point you in the right direction for your specific need.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or log on www.eaaa.org.