The Different Types of Senior Living Facilities Explained
Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one into a senior care facility is difficult and often confusing. There are many different options, and each of them provides varying levels of care and support.
In this guide, we cover the various types of senior living and what they mean.
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Personal Care
- Nursing Homes or Skilled Nursing
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities
- Active Adult Communities
Independent Living
As the name suggests, independent living is for seniors who can take care of themselves but want to be free of the stress that comes with home ownership. Independent Living communities rent out apartments or houses, and the monthly rent includes repairs and home maintenance. Many communities also provide housekeeping and laundry services, plus daily meals. Independent living facilities offer various amenities for residents. These may include a fitness center, game room, activity lounge, beauty or barber shop, and more. Some communities also organize group activities and outings.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living communities offer the amenities and conveniences of Independent living, along with help to complete daily activities, such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Going to the bathroom
- Cooking meals
- Transporting
Unlike a nursing home, assisted living doesn’t provide advanced or skilled medical care. However, assisted living facilities may offer some medical services, like medication management, access to on-staff nurses, and onsite occupational, physical or speech therapy. Residents usually have their own apartments and a degree of privacy, yet still receive help when it’s needed.
Assisted living communities are a good fit for seniors who do not require advanced medical attention but have trouble taking care of themselves and performing basic tasks known as activities of daily living (ADLs). Although family members often try to provide care, they may find that they cannot always be there for an aging loved one or provide an adequate level of support. This is where an assisted living facility can help.
Memory Care
Memory care, sometimes referred to as Alzheimer’s care, is a specialized form of senior living specifically for seniors living with advanced memory impairment. Seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia often have very different needs, both physically and emotionally, than other older adults. Dedicated memory care communities offer services and activities tailored to meet the needs of the memory-impaired, and all staff must be trained in how to best work with and support seniors with these cognitive conditions.
Memory care staff is available 24-hours a day to assist residents with any of their personal care needs. This includes assistance with ADLs, housekeeping, and laundry, and transportation services. Additionally, many memory care communities offer specialized activity programming intended to stimulate and engage residents. These programs may include music therapy, gardening groups, puzzle clubs, and more. While memory care communities may have fewer lifestyle amenities than independent and assisted living communities, they do have enhanced safety and security measures, such as monitored entry and exit points and community-wide use of personal medical alert systems.
It’s important to note that while memory care staff is well-trained to care for seniors with memory impairment, most are not medical professionals. Memory care communities do not offer regular medical care beyond basic first-aid and medication management services. Seniors in need of regular skilled care and around-the-clock access to a doctor are better suited for skilled nursing facilities.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are what most people think of when they start searching for senior care. However, not all older adults require the medical attention provided in this setting.
Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, provide medical care from doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other professionals. Residents also receive assistance with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities. Skilled nursing facilities are often depicted as a long-term solution, but they can also serve as a short-term solution following and injury, surgery or illness.
Seniors may require care in a nursing home due to:
- Illness
- Physical challenges, such as incontinence, hearing/vision loss, and limited mobility
- Mental difficulties, like dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Rehabilitation after surgery or a hospital stay
If a senior has a lot of medical needs, skilled nursing care is often required.
Active Adult Communities
People often confuse independent living with active adult communities (also called 55+ communities). The two are actually quite different. An active adult community is very similar to any other residential neighborhood, except there is usually a minimum age requirement for residents. You may either rent or buy your home, depending on the pricing model of the community. Many also have home owners’ association (HOA) dues or other monthly fees. Active adult communities tend to cover exterior maintenance in their monthly fees so that residents don’t have to worry about upkeep.
Unlike independent living, 55+ communities don’t offer meals, housekeeping, or laundry services. However, they usually have amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness center, golf course, and more. These communities are for active, healthy adults who want to be free of exterior home maintenance during their retirement years.
How to Choose the Right Living Community
Choosing the right living community depends on the needs of yourself or your loved one. If you are able to care for yourself but want to live in a community, an independent living facility is probably the best fit. For those who need help with daily tasks, personal care and assisted living can help. Skilled nursing care is designed for seniors who have severe, long-term medical needs.
When comparing different types of facilities, ask the staff about what happens when your needs change. Is a higher level of care available? Will they provide referrals or help you find an in-home care provider to visit you at the facility? Consider future needs when evaluating your options.
