The range of housing options and varying levels of care offered within senior communities help ensure that every senior will find a perfect match–for their housing needs and for their lifestyle.
- Independent living apartments. Independent living apartments are ideal for seniors who do not need personal or medical care but who would like to live with other seniors who share similar interests. In most independent living facilities seniors can take advantage of planned community events, field trips, shopping excursions and on-premise projects. These apartments are not licensed or regulated.
- Adult homes. Adult homes are licensed and regulated for temporary or long-term residence by adults unable to live independently. They usually include supervision, personal care, housekeeping, and three meals a day.
- Enriched housing. Enriched housing is similar to adult homes, with the exception that seniors live in independent housing units. They offer a minimum of one meal per day and are licensed by the State Department of Health.
- Family- type homes. Family-type homes offer long-term residential care, housekeeping, and supervision for four or fewer adults unrelated to the operator. The department of Social Services oversees their operations.
- Assisted living program (ALP). An excellent alternative to nursing homes for seniors who need help with their daily routines, but who do not need 24-hour care. Room, board, case management, and skilled nursing services come from an outside agency. This program accepts Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and home relief recipients.
- Continuing care retirement communities (or Lifecare communities). Continuing care communities offer a variety of facilities, from assisted living to nursing home, all on one campus. They guarantee “aging in place,” that is, the resident can move from one level of care to the next as needs change. For residents, the transition to a nursing home is easier, because they are able to remain in familiar surroundings. They may require buy-in, or an up-front annuity purchase followed by monthly payments which cover services, amenities and needed medical care.
- Nursing home (or skilled nursing facility). Nursing homes offer 24-hour a day care for those who can no longer live independently. In nursing homes, trained medical professionals provide specialized care to seniors with severe illnesses or injuries. Specially trained staff assist residents with daily activities such as bathing, eating, laundry and housekeeping. They may specialize in short-term or acute nursing care, intermediate care or long-term skilled nursing care.