10 Types of Senior Living Communities in 2022

I remember back in the 70’s and 80’s when my mother worked in a “Nursing Home”, it was more like ‘one size fits all. Today’s options for those looking for alternatives to living in their home has grown massively. There is an option out there for everyone from active seniors to 24-hour care for memory-challenged patients. Let’s take a look at the 10 types of senior living communities.

1. Active adult communities – these are homes that are relatively maintenance-free and geared towards people that are 55+, but not limited to ONLY them. Most have a clause that at least one person residing there must at least be 55. These homes can be cottages, townhouses, apartments, condos, or even mobile homes. They almost always have an activities director on staff and provide entertainment, events, and outings for residents. They often are surrounded by things to do such as golf, pickleball, walking trails, and tennis, just to name a few. There are also other opportunities to be social such as interest groups such as book clubs, knitting, cards, and other ways to socialize. Residents will be responsible for their own housekeeping, cooking, and laundry services. These communities almost never have healthcare on site.
2. Independent Living – these communities are very similar to active adult communities, with the exception of having healthcare on site. Also, housekeeping, lawn services, meals, maintenance, security, education, entertainment, and transportation are often provided for a fee but can vary depending on where you live.
3. Assisted Living – more of a communal way of living where care varies depending on the needs of each person. Grooming, medication management, bathing, and sometimes things like transportation to doctors’ offices, etc can be included. Education and activities are still included in this lifestyle.
4. Skilled Nursing Care – 24-hour monitored patient care monitored by registered nurses.
5. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) – Also called “Life Plan Community”. These communities are often all-inclusive. These have varying levels of care as well as amenities. Often these communities have things such as restaurants, movie theaters, golf courses, and bowling alleys – just to name a few.
6. Residential Care Homes – also called “Family Care Homes”. These are usually single-family homes that have been converted/built for two to six beds. The level of care with these is pretty consistent with Assisted Living Facilities.
7. Respite Care – Temporary or short-term facilities, often part of a larger facility. These facilities are often for people who are recovering from injuries and need various levels of care. They usually have entertainment and activities to keep people busy while recovering.
8. Memory Care – Long-term care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are places that focus solely on memory care but can also be part of a larger facility. This makes it nice when a married couple has different care needs but can stay close, or if a resident needs memory care later on in their years.
9. Rehabilitation Care – Temporary or short-term facilities, often part of a larger facility. These facilities are often for people who are recovering from injuries such as an injury, illness, or hospital stay and need various levels of care. These centers provide occupational, physical, and speech-language therapy. They usually have entertainment and activities to keep people busy while recovering.
10. Long Term Care – any community that has 24/7 care on a long-term basis. Supervision is provided that helps with things such as medicine reminders, dressing, housekeeping, social activities, and meals.

Finding a new home is a long and tedious job. Be sure to do due diligence. Visit the property if possible and asked lots of questions. Talk to residents (if you can). Read reviews online. If you are out of state, ask for a virtual tour and do a lot of research online.

Ad