Since today's seniors tend to stay healthier and to live longer, new forms of less restrictive levels of long-term care services and facilities are being designed to meet their more active, freedom-loving lifestyles.

Today's seniors and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses clearly have many improved and expanded options available for long-term care. Through modern home care capabilities, an abundance of community services and a more accessible network of adult day care services, the vast majority of America's senior population is managing to enjoy a healthy, productive life at home. Others have elected to ensure a lifetime of care in a continuing care retirement community and still others like the independence they have in an environment that assisted living facilities provide.

When health mandates it, many have found that most of today's nursing homes and special care facilities are considerably more modern, technologically improved and much more accessible to family and friends. Never have there been more or better choices.

Some services and facilities are relatively new to the market, and some are well-thought-out modifications of standard services and facilities. The more traditional facilities have expanded many of their services to meet the needs of persons with Alzheimer's or AIDS.