- Introduction
- Levels of care for older adults
- Traditional senior living and retirement community options
- Affordable living options for seniors with limited resources
- Pros and cons of senior living communities
- The bottom line
Senior living options: Finding the right fit for your needs
- Introduction
- Levels of care for older adults
- Traditional senior living and retirement community options
- Affordable living options for seniors with limited resources
- Pros and cons of senior living communities
- The bottom line
As you or your family members age, living options may become an important consideration. Although many older adults prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, others look for living arrangements that offer greater support or a sense of community. Senior living options range from independent living communities for active adults to facilities that provide assistance with daily activities or specialized care.
Understanding what type of care you or a family member might need—and how much it could cost—can help guide your decision. Whether you want to maintain independence or plan for ongoing health care needs, knowing your options can give you peace of mind and help you create a plan that works for both your lifestyle and budget.
Key Points
- The level of care you need may change as you age.
- Senior living communities offer a range of services, from independent living to skilled nursing care.
- Some communities come with high costs, but affordable options are available for older adults with limited resources.
Levels of care for older adults
Aging often brings changes that affect physical and mental abilities, and many adults may need some level of assistance as they grow older. Knowing the types of care available can help you be prepared should the need arise.
What are activities of daily living (ADLs)?
Activities of daily living (ADLs) is a term that’s used frequently when discussing aging, senior living, and care settings. It refers to the basic tasks a person must be able to perform to live independently, such as eating, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, and moving around safely. Managing medications is also considered an essential ADL. In some settings, you may also hear about instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which involve more complex tasks like cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, managing money, and transportation.
Assisted living facilities provide support with many ADLs, helping residents who need extra assistance but don’t require regular medical care or continuous supervision.
- Independent living offers housing and amenities for older adults who are healthy, active, and able to perform activities of daily living (ADL) with little or no assistance. Independent living arrangements can vary, often including both rental and ownership options. A community specializing in independent living might have amenities such as a gym, pool, and clubhouse, and offer classes and activities.
- Assisted living provides help with activities of daily living, either at home through a home health agency or in a dedicated facility.
- Memory/dementia care, also called secured assisted living, includes supervision and a safe environment in addition to assistance with ADLs. A memory care facility typically also offers programming and socialization opportunities for residents.
- Skilled care provides short-term professional medical help while you recover from an illness, injury, or surgery, and doesn’t include help with daily activities. You can receive skilled care at home through visits from a health professional or in a facility.
- Respite care is a short-term service that temporarily takes over caregiving responsibilities, allowing caregivers of older adults living at home to take a break. Caregivers can arrange for an individual to attend an adult day care program for a few hours or stay at a nursing home or specialized facility for a few days or weeks.
Traditional senior living and retirement community options
If you’re exploring senior living options for yourself or someone else, you’ll find communities with varying levels of support, amenities, and costs to fit different needs and preferences.
Active adult communities, also called 55-plus communities, are open to adults age 55 and older and feature rental apartments or units for purchase. Common areas and amenities often include a pool, gym, and clubhouse. Homeowners association (HOA) fees typically cover exterior maintenance, landscaping, and some amenities. Classes and activities may also be offered, either as part of the HOA fees or at an additional cost. Since you live in your own home, you manage activities of daily living independently or arrange and pay for at-home care as needed.
Retirement-life communities, also called retirement communities or independent living communities, are designed for adults who are healthy and able to live independently but want additional conveniences. Typically for those 55 and older, they offer amenities similar to 55-plus communities, with added services like dining options, transportation, and housekeeping. Some include laundry services for linens and towels. Units are usually rentals—apartments or cottages—and most utilities are included in the monthly fees.
Assisted living communities, also called adult care facilities, provide room and board, assistance with activities of daily living, limited transportation services, and opportunities for social and recreational activities. Living arrangements are usually private or shared apartments or rooms with access to common areas.
Board and care homes, also called residential care facilities or group homes, offer assisted living services and meals at smaller facilities typically with fewer than 20 adults. Residents rent a private or shared room in a home-like setting without nursing or medical care.
Nursing homes feature round-the-clock nursing care, meals, and assistance with daily activities for those who need continuous medical supervision and support.
Skilled nursing facilities offer short-term care for recovery from an illness, injury, or surgery, typically recommended by a doctor as an alternative to an extended hospital stay.
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities, offer a range of living options—from independent living to assisted living and skilled care—at a single location. Residents often start in independent living and transition to higher levels of care as needed. Many CCRCs have a minimum age requirement of 62 and require an up-front fee plus monthly fees. Residences are typically rentals rather than owned.
Affordable living options for seniors with limited resources
Not all older adults have the financial means to move into retirement communities that require up-front fees or high monthly costs. For those with limited resources, affordable housing and publicly funded programs offer alternative solutions, although availability may differ depending on where you live.
Subsidized housing programs. The federally funded Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program helps low-income seniors find affordable housing with supportive services such as meal programs and transportation. Availability varies by state, and waiting lists can be long, so applying early is essential.
Medicaid-covered long-term care. Medicaid helps older adults who need ongoing medical care or supervision. It pays for nursing home care and certain home-based services such as skilled nursing and therapy, but doesn’t cover the routine services offered by assisted living. Medicaid programs and benefits can vary by state, so check local guidelines for eligibility and to understand what’s available.
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps low-income older adults remain at home while receiving comprehensive medical and social services. Available in 33 states and the District of Columbia, PACE offers home health care, transportation, social activities, and meal programs. Availability varies by state and county. Check with your state’s Medicaid office or visit the National PACE Association to learn more.
Shared housing or multigenerational living can be an affordable option. Living with family members or sharing a home with other older adults reduces costs while providing companionship and mutual support.
Pros and cons of senior living communities
Pros:
- Downsizing can help you organize and distribute your belongings on your own terms.
- Some daily tasks, such as landscaping, are handled for you.
- Many communities offer opportunities to meet others your age and participate in social events and activities.
- Amenities such as a pool or gym are typical.
- Depending on the arrangement, you may gain peace of mind knowing that your future health care costs are managed.
Cons:
- You might feel a loss of privacy and space because your new home will likely be smaller than your previous one.
- Leaving familiar surroundings can be difficult, especially if you’re deeply connected to your current community. Adapting to a new environment and meeting new people may take time and effort.
- Monthly fees can be high and could increase with time.
The bottom line
There’s no way to predict how long you will live and how much care you might need as you age. It can be tempting to hope for the best and stay in your own home until you die or become ill and unable to take care of yourself. But aging in place is also a decision—one that could impose a burden on your children or other relatives.
Making a plan early gives you more control over your future environment. You get to decide who will receive your mementos, furniture, and other belongings. It allows you to enjoy your last years in a manageable space with people your own age. Depending on the facility you choose, you may also have access to professional medical care when needed.
Consider your age, financial situation, and health as you decide.