I guess this question must come up all the time. My parents are in their early 80s, and they definitely can't stay at home anymore. I'm pretty sure they need a nursing home, but if they just had someone who made sure they took their medication, and made sure stuff like UTI or pneumonia didn't get out of hand, they might be ok. I'm just not sure.
Is something everyone has to decide on their own? Are there consultants or something that can make a recommendation?
You don't say if your parents live near you. If you live in the same area, start by visiting a few assisted living places once you get some recommendations. Find out what their requirements are in order to accept new residents. Usually, they must be able to dress and feed themselves and use the bathroom with only occasional assistance. They must be ambulatory (with walker, wheelchair or cane) with only occasional/minimal assistance. Meds are handled by the nursing staff and dispensed as ordered by the primary physician.
Nursing homes are a higher level of care and are much more expensive. It sounds like your parents are way too high-functioning to require nursing home care at this point.
If your parents live far away and you are likely to become the primary caregiver, now would be the time to move them closer to you. As they age, it will be a lot easier for all concerned if you can be near them to make sure they are healthy and safe.
You are smart to look into this now, before a crisis occurs. Try to involve your parents as much as possible in the decision about where and how they will live.
Good luck!
My parents have a really hard time accepting help, but they're slowly coming around. They get meals delivered and someone comes once a week to do light cleaning. This is all through our local Council on Aging. At least a few times, verbally, Mom has said they shouldn't be living in the house anymore. And she's the one we all have to convince, as Dad does whatever she says.