What situations start most senior care searches in Salt Lake?
Most searches start with a hospital discharge, a fall or a parent who can no longer manage at home, a dementia diagnosis, or savings running low.
Each guide below lists the first steps, the Utah rules that apply and the local agencies that can help.
What if we are not in a crisis yet?
Planning before a crisis gives the most choices: get legal documents signed, learn the Type I and Type II difference, apply early for waivers with waiting lists, and tour before you need to.
The getting started questions are a good first read.
Which Salt Lake agencies can help in almost every situation?
Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services (385-468-3200) for services and Aging Waiver intake, the Salt Lake County Long-Term Care Ombudsman (385-468-3255) for residents of facilities, and Utah Adult Protective Services (1-800-371-7897) for suspected abuse or exploitation.
In Tooele County, start with Tooele County Aging Services at 435-277-2420. These agencies are public and free; we are a private referral service and point families to them whenever they are the right answer.
Situations guides
A parent is being discharged from a Salt Lake hospital
What Salt Lake families should do when a parent is discharged from Intermountain, University of Utah, St. Mark's, Holy Cross or another valley hospital: inpatient status, rehab, Medicare and next steps.
Read →When a parent can no longer live alone
Signs a parent in the Salt Lake Valley can't live alone, and how to choose between in-home care, Type I or Type II assisted living, memory care and nursing care in Utah.
Read →After a dementia diagnosis: first steps for Salt Lake families
First steps after an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis in Utah: legal documents, driving and safety, caregiver support in Salt Lake and Tooele counties, and when Utah secure memory care fits.
Read →When the money for care is running out
What Salt Lake families can do when savings for assisted living or home care run low: Utah Medicaid's $2,000 limit, the New Choices Waiver's 365-day path, VA Aid and Attendance and planning steps.
Read →Caring for a Salt Lake parent from a distance
For adult children living outside Utah: check DLBC licenses and inspections online, use the Salt Lake County ombudsman, set up local contacts and plan visits around a parent's care in the Salt Lake Valley.
Read →Looking beyond Salt Lake County
Considering senior care in Davis County (Bountiful, Layton), Utah County or Tooele County instead of Salt Lake County: same Utah licensing rules, different local agencies.
Read →At a glance
| Situation guides give | Situation guides do not give | |
|---|---|---|
| Steps | First steps in the order families need them | Medical or legal advice |
| Rules | The Utah rules that apply | Rules from other states |
| Contacts | Public agencies with phone numbers | Paid placement recommendations |
