When an aging person relocates to a new residence, there are a number of housing options to explore which are specific to older adults.  There are also other factors to contemplate in addition to the which type of residence is most fitting.  The actual location of the facility is clearly a consideration, but those involved in the housing decision may also wish to consider whether the facility is part of a continuum of care, an integrated system which provides various levels of care, allowing the resident to “age in place” within that senior living system/community.  All members are listed below followed by a breakdown into the type of residence.  You may also use the pull down menu and select the sub-category under Senior Housing.

Independent Living apartments offer some assistance with services such as communal dining, regular housekeeping and a schedule of activities.  However, residents are still relatively independent, and the facility does not offer individual hands-on care.

Assisted Living residences offer more assistance, administering medication, providing help with Activities of Daily Living and offering more structured dining, housekeeping and programming. Residents live in private apartments with small kitchenettes but have common areas and staff available 24 hours a day as needed.

Nursing Homes are available for adults requiring 24 hour direct care for physical and/or mental debilitation.  Residents live in single rooms, privately or with another resident, and sometimes with a private bathroom.  Meals are congregate and various therapies are available.  Supervision and medical care is accessible around the clock.

Skilled Nursing/Short-Term Rehabilitation may be offered as an area of a nursing home or as a stand alone facility.  They are a short-term option providing intensive, skilled medical care and/or rehabilitation services to residents.  The aesthetics of a skilled nursing facility or wing are much like a hospital, and provide acute care as well as terminal illness care.

Memory Care facilities may also be in an enclosed area of a nursing home or as a stand alone facility.  Memory Care requires heavy security and alarms are used to keep residents safe from wandering. Round the clock supervision and care is available and specialized activities and programs are offered by staff trained in memory care.

Some Other Senior Residence may include a group home, a group of condominiums made up of residents who meet a certain age requirement or another community specifically for seniors.