Aging Adult Services

We provide information and coordinated care for baby boomers, aging adults, and their families. We promote wellness and preventive practices for healthy aging and longevity.

Aging Adult Services
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: 650-723-1303 Getting Here
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MAPS & Directions
MAPS & Directions
300 Pasteur Drive
HC034
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: 650-723-1303 Getting Here »
Make an appointment

Care and Treatment

Types of Home Care Services

Caring for an aging parent or loved one can be an exhausting challenge. It is often difficult to provide the "round the clock" care that an aging relative may need, and you may be left feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or exhausted.

There are several options to help care for aging adults, including:

Home care agencies

Home care agencies offer at-home caregivers who offer protective supervision for daily activities such as:

  • Bathing
  • Grooming
  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Bathroom services
  • Getting into and out of bed
  • Walking
  • Meal preparation with consideration for special diets
  • Transportation
  • House cleaning and laundry
  • Caring for other family members
  • Pet care

These services are mostly private pay, though some forms of long-term insurance may cover these services. Be sure to check that home care aides are trained, bonded, insured, and screened for criminal records.

Home health agencies

Home health agencies provide medical services by licensed medical professionals, such as:

  • Registered nurses
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech therapists

They can administer medication and provide wound care. Medicare and long-term care insurance may cover these services.

Geriatric care management agencies

These agencies provide professional assessments and services such as:

  • Arrange care services
  • Assist with community resources
  • Residential placement and counseling
  • Coordinate in-home help

Housing options and levels of care

As we age, the home we have always lived in may no longer be appropriate or safe. The key to relocation is to match the type of housing with lifestyle, health, and financial needs. Options range from modifying the existing home, or moving to a housing facility with more support and social options available onsite.

If modifying the existing home or bringing in additional care services is no longer a viable option, consider the following levels of care for aging adults:

Independent living

Independent living areas are designed exclusively for older adults, and allow for independent living quarters.

Types of independent living areas:

  • Retirement communities
  • Retirement homes
  • Senior housing
  • Senior apartments

Services include:

  • A shared dining room
  • Recreational center or clubhouse
  • A wide range of activities and social events
Assisted living

Assisted living helps seniors who need help with daily activities such as cooking meals or getting to the bathroom. Assisted living provides personal care services in a residential type facility.

This level of care offers the safety and security of 24-hour support and access to care, while still allowing for privacy and independence.

Nursing homes

A nursing home delivers the highest level of care for older adults outside of a hospital setting. They provide what is called custodial care, including:

  • Getting in and out of bed
  • Assistance with eating
  • Bathing help
  • Dressing
  • Medical care

A doctor supervises each patient’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is always on the premises. If 24-hour supervision is needed, a skilled nursing facility may be the appropriate option.

Rehabilitation facilities

A rehabilitation facility provides temporary care after surgery or a major health event. Many rehabilitation facilities provide extended care options as needed.

Palliative care

Palliative care provides support to help relieve pain and improve quality of life for people with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Palliative care can be provided to patients at any time, at any stage of illness, whether terminal or not.

This type of care usually takes place in:

  • A hospital
  • An extended care facility
  • A nursing home
Hospice care

Hospice refers to care for people with terminal conditions, or within six months of death. Most programs focus on comfort and care is overseen by a team of visiting medical professionals and administered in the home. Hospice can provide round-the-clock care in a nursing home, a specially equipped hospice facility, or in a hospital.

Additional resources in home care

Other resources that may be helpful, depending on the needs of you and the aging adult in your life, may include:

  • Placement agencies: A local agency that can assist you in finding a suitable placement for your parent
  • Respite care: Publicly or privately paid temporary care to relieve the primary caregiver for a break
  • Adult day care: Private programs that provide a safe, structured setting, with trained personnel for several hours a day
  • Adult foster care: Private individuals or nonprofit organizations maintain houses and provide onsite care for patients
  • Home delivered meals: Local agencies can provide home-delivered meals as needed
  • Case manager and service coordinator: A resource for families of cognitively and/or physically impaired persons to help with identifying and coordinating needed services

Stanford Health Now

For Patients

Stanford Health Care (formerly Stanford Hospital & Clinics) is known worldwide for the advanced patient care provided by its doctors and staff.  We also provide a wide range of guest services and amenities to our patients and visitors. Learn more about preparing for a hospital stay, billing and financial services, and our other support programs in Patients & Visitors.  

Call us to make an appointment

650-723-1303

RESOURCES

Location and parking

For Health Care Professionals

PHYSICIAN HELPLINE

Phone: 1-866-742-4811
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stanford Health Care (formerly Stanford Hospital & Clinics) provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as provides the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions visit Referring Physicians.

HOW TO REFER

Fax a referral form with supporting documentation to 650-320-9443.

Track your patients' progress and communicate with Stanford providers securely online.

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To request an appointment by phone, please call 650-723-1303