Senior Living Communities

Senior Living Communities

A senior living community is housing designed for older adults, who no longer want or are able to live in their own homes. Senior living communities come in all shapes and sizes, and are generally classified by the levels of care which they offer. Some communities are age-restricted.

Independent Living and Active Adult communities are for those who are generally able to care for themselves. They usually offer no healthcare, housekeeping or meal services. Assisted Living communities are for those who need some assistance with activities of daily living. Memory Care or Alzheimer’s Care communities are for those experiencing some level of dementia. Nursing and Long-term care (LTC) are for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities who cannot care for themselves. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) usually combine Independent and Assisted Living and Nursing Care in one location. CCRCs usually have life-care contracts.

Many senior living communities now combine two or more levels of care. It is becoming more common, for example, for Assisted Living communities to offer Memory Care.