Senior Living Options

There are many types of communities called “Senior Housing.” What a community is called does not give you a good understanding of what you might need or want. Many communities will combine the housing types below into a single building or campus, thus providing some “continuum of care.”

Our local experts will help you understand the options available, so that you can make an informed decision that meets your needs, both now and as you age.

Alzheimer’s/Memory Care

In this secure setting, unlike Assisted Living you aren’t behind a closed door but typically engaging in activities outside of your own studio apartment. There are communities focused only on memory care and memory care in more of a continuum of care setting. Care-to-resident ratios are improved over Assisted Living and average 1 to 6-8 typically during the day/evening.

Independent Living

This option is for those who are “independent” and often still driving. They can care for themselves, have a full kitchen and make their own meals. Here, they have access to “services” vs. “care” —and perhaps a restaurant for meals and transportation as needed for shopping and outings, etc.

Assisted Living

These senior living rental apartments offer both “services” and “care.” An RN is required to complete a health assessment before you move in. You may not need caregivers coming to your apartment, however, if you had a fall, they would assist you as they know your health history. Care levels can be very high in some options and, as an alternative to a nursing home, this can often feel like a homier approach.

Nursing Homes

Also called skilled care, this is often the option that comes after a hospital stay. This can be an appropriate, long-term option if needs are medically complex or if resources to pay for care are quite limited and Medicaid will be needed in less than a year.

Residential Care

These communities are licensed as in Assisted Living, but the care is provided in a residential home. This option has the best care-to-resident ratio typically with 2 staff for 6 during the day and evening and 1 awake staff overnight. This option carries a higher cost due to the higher staffing ratios.