Long-term care can be provided in many different settings beyond the skilled nursing facility that usually comes to mind. Home health care is becoming increasingly popular, allowing elderly people to maintain a measure of independence for as long as possible. Assisted living facilities offer an intermediate alternative between home health care and nursing facilities, providing some medical care and professional monitoring while also offering a relatively homelike environment. Continuing care retirement communities may work well for elderly people whose needs for care fluctuate. They can move among sections of the community as their condition changes.