Senior care options summary

As the nation's population grays, seniors are looking for ways to stay active and independent as they get older. Here are some options and their prices:

— Medical Alert Systems: Services like Philips Lifeline and Life Alert consist of a necklace or wristband with an emergency button. When pressed, a dispatcher assesses the situation and calls a neighbor, family member or medical center. Services generally cost between $30 and $50 a month.

— Adult Day Care: Much like day care for children, adult day care generally operates during business hours Monday through Friday, providing activities and meals for seniors. The average rate for adult day care last year was $70 a day, or about $18,000 annually.

— Home Visiting Services: For seniors who want to remain in their homes, visiting services can provide assistance with everything from preparing meals to physical therapy. The typical cost of a homecare service last year was $20,800, at a rate of 20 hours per week.

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