Types of Senior Housing


Adult Family Homes

An Adult Family Home (AFH) is a residential home licensed to care for up to six elder residents. All adult family homes provide housing and meals (room and board) and assume general responsibilities for the safety and care of the residents. What additional services are offered is different for each home and may include varying levels of assistance with personal care, nursing care (a nurse available on a full or part-time basis), and/or assistance with administration of medications. Some AFH’s also provide specialized care to people living with developmental disabilities, dementia and/or mental illness.


Assisted Living

Individual apartments that may have a kitchenette and offer 24-hour on-site staff, group dining and activity programs. Limited nursing services may be available for an additional fee. Services may also include housekeeping, transportation, assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), exercise programs, medication management, laundry and medical services. Check each facility for exact services.

Assisted Living is senior housing designed for those who are no longer able to live safely on their own, but who don’t require the high level of care provided in a nursing home. These facilities provide a home-like atmosphere with 24-hour on-site staff, group meals, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and medication, housekeeping, transportation and social activities. They are typically individual apartments and may have kitchenettes. Most provide limited licensed nursing services, but hours vary and additional fees may be required. Some even offer a special unit for Alzheimer’s residents. Check each facility for specific services. Most assisted living facilities are private pay, although some take Medicaid. Assisted living facilities are licensed by state governments and known by many different names including: Residential Care, Board and Care, Congregate Care and Personal Care.


Alzheimer's/Dementia Care:

A facility that specializes in providing care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients


Residential Care:

Licensed housing in private homes generally for under ten people, with sleeping areas, common spaces, meals, snacks, laundry, housekeeping, assistance with ADLs, personal care, 24/7 supervision and planned activities. Homes with special certifications and licenses provide therapies and skilled nursing services for situations such as physical frailty, dementia, Alzheimer’s, developmental disabilities, etc. (Also called Adult Family Homes, Adult Foster Homes, Board and Care Homes.)


Independent Living

A residential location that may or may not provide hospitality or supportive services. Includes rental-assisted or market-rate apartments or cottages. Residents can choose which services they want and there may be an additional fee for some services. (Also called Elderly Housing, Senior Housing or Senior Apartments, Non-profit Age & Income-qualified Housing.)

Independent living is the ability to maintain one's residence and lifestyle without custodial or medical assistance. Among the many senior housing options available, independent living provides the greatest versatility and freedom. There are many facilities that serve as residential living settings for senior adults who are independent, active and have few, if any medical problems. Independent living options range from fully furnished private apartments or cottages to large two-three bedroom units that are available on a buy-in, rental--assisted or market-rate basis depending on the 55 community.

Social activities and fine-dining meals are often available and residents can select the services they want, often at an additional fee. Generally referred to as elder housing in the government-subsidized environment.

If custodial or medical care becomes necessary, residents in independent living communities are often permitted to bring in outside services of their choice, such as home health, to assist with activities of daily living on a temporary or longer term care basis. This type of respite care is a viable alternative for seniors who need time to heal from injury or illness and do not desire to move to a higher level of care facility. (Also called Senior Apartments, Congregate Care, 55 Senior Communities and Senior Housing.)


Nursing Care and Rehabilitation

Facilities licensed to provide custodial care, rehabilitative care (such as physical, occupational or speech therapy) or specialized care for Alzheimer's patients. Also may offer social, recreational and spiritual activities. (Commonly referred to as Nursing Homes, Skilled Nursing Facilities or SNF.)

A Nursing Home is a licensed facility that is staffed with 24-hour on-site nursing professionals for the care of the frail residents who require a high level of medical care and assistance. Short-term rehabilitative care can include such therapies as intensive physical, occupational or speech therapy in order to restore a patient to a former capacity. Services include medical care, psycho-social and personal services. Residents typically share a room and have group meals in a dining area unless they are too ill to join other residents. Group activities are also available for those who can partake. Some facilities have special units for Alzheimer’s residents. Also referred to as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Convalescent Care Home, Nursing Center and/or Long-Term Care Facility.


Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

Communities offering several levels of assistance, including independent living, assisted living and nursing home care. Residents move from one setting to another as needs change, but stay in the same CCRC community. A significant payment is usually required (called an endowment) prior to admission, as well as monthly fees. Often there is a lifetime contract written that assures care through the progression of care needs. (Also called Life Care Community.)