Understanding Different Assisted Living Options: A Guide to Finding the Right Fit

If you’re beginning to explore luxury assisted living or other senior living options, it’s likely you’ve come across a range of unfamiliar terms. The landscape of senior care has evolved significantly from the old-fashioned “nursing homes” of the 20th century. With this evolution, the terminology has also shifted to better reflect the variety of living choices available today.

Familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you navigate your search for senior living and empower you to make the best decisions for yourself or a loved one. Bookmark this page for easy reference as you continue your research. Below are some of the most common senior living terms you’ll encounter:

Types of Senior Living

Assisted Living: Luxury assisted living communities offer the same benefits as independent living, along with the added support for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, bathing, and eating. This option is ideal for individuals who need extra assistance managing their health and well-being, but still want to maintain a high level of independence.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): A Continuing Care Retirement Community, offers multiple levels of living within the same campus, such as independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory support. This flexibility allows residents to transition between levels of care as their needs change.

Home Health Aide: A home health aide provides in-home support for aging individuals who wish to stay in their homes. They assist with daily activities like meal preparation, bathing, and other personal care needs.

In-Home Care: In-home care involves a variety of professionals, including home health aides, who provide support to help you remain in your own home. This may include assistance with meal preparation, personal care, or even tasks like pet care.

Independent Living: Independent living offers the same freedom as living at home, but within a community setting that includes access to a variety of programs and amenities. Residents typically enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, with a range of meal options and modern, convenient residences designed to enhance independence.

Memory Support: Tailored to individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive impairments, memory support (sometimes called memory care) focuses on providing a safe, supportive environment where residents can enjoy socialization and receive personalized care.

Nonprofit Communities: Senior living options can be either nonprofit or for-profit. Nonprofit communities reinvest resources into the facilities and may offer financial assistance for residents who outlive their savings. Many nonprofit communities, like those operated by HumanGood, offer benevolent support to residents in need.

Nursing Care: Nursing care provides support for individuals with complex medical needs, whether short-term or long-term. This care may be needed for individuals with chronic or progressive medical conditions.

Nursing Home: Historically used as a catch-all term for senior living, “nursing home” is being phased out by many communities due to its misleading connotations. In reality, most senior living options do not involve constant nursing care, as this term suggests.

Post-Acute Care: Similar to short-term rehabilitation, post-acute care is provided to individuals recovering from serious medical events like strokes, heart attacks, or surgeries. This care typically involves physical therapy, nursing support, and other therapies to help the individual regain strength and independence.

Short-Term Rehabilitation: Short-term rehabilitation assists individuals recovering from surgery or an injury. It often includes nursing care and therapy to improve mobility and function, with the goal of helping the individual return home in good health.

Skilled Nursing Facility: Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 care for individuals recovering from serious health events, or for those needing long-term care due to complex medical conditions. This care can include post-acute rehabilitation or long-term nursing support.

55+ Active Adult Communities: These communities cater to older adults who are independent and want to enjoy an active lifestyle in a low-maintenance environment. Unlike Life Plan Communities, 55+ active adult communities do not offer on-site care options. When exploring senior living options, understanding the terminology is crucial for making the right decision. Whether you’re considering luxury assisted living, independent living, or a Life Plan Community, it’s important to find the solution that best meets you or your loved one’s needs. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help guide you to the right choice.