Types of Senior Living Communities-June 2025

Finding Senior Living options can be confusing and overwhelming for seniors and their families. Below is a list of different housing options for seniors, each with a brief description:

INDEPENDENT LIVING

This option is perfect for active, self-sufficient seniors who may find that assistance with meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry services enhances their enjoyment and ease of life. Many independent living communities also provide transportation to/from appointments, area shops, etc and offer group activities and resort style amenities.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Assisted living communities offer a safe, somewhat supervised environment for individuals seeking help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation, along with support for daily living activities (ADLs) and medication management. These communities also provide opportunities for socialization, engagement, and activities.

MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY

Known as memory support, memory care communities provide many of the amenities and services found in assisted living but generally offer increased supervision and more caregiver involvement in assisting with a resident's ADLs. Activities and care are tailored for individuals with varying levels of cognitive impairment.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES (CCRC)

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) cater to individuals aged 61 and older, offering long-term care through independent living units, residential care/assisted living services, and memory/skilled nursing care. Typically, all these living options are located in one place, allowing residents to transition between care types as they age.

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES

Also known as personal care homes, these facilities are usually private residences with fewer occupants than assisted living communities. Regulations differ by state, but they share a homelike atmosphere, and depending on licensing, they often provide assisted living level care and memory support.

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (SNF)

An SNF follows a medical model, making it suitable for individuals needing medical interventions or recovering from illness or injury. In many states, assisted living and memory care communities are not licensed for certain medical needs such as IV therapies, feeding tubes, sliding scale diabetes treatment, and wound care. In such cases, families are advised to consider an SNF.

RESPITE CARE

Respite care refers to a temporary situation where a family requires a break from home caregiving or cannot care for their loved one at home for a short period. A brief respite can help a family caregiver recharge, focus on self-care, or simply rest and rejuvenate. Respite policies vary by community.

HOSPICE CARE

Hospice care is provided when curative treatments are no longer pursued. It is suitable for individuals with a chronic illness in advanced stages or those who may be within six months of end of life. Hospice supports both the individual and the family by offering grief and bereavement services, spiritual support, symptom and pain management, and more, providing relief during a significant yet challenging time.

Residents Independent Living Community in SFL