National Senior Housing

Housing Resources

Find the right senior housing option for your needs.

As individuals age, there are many reasons why someone may not want to remain in their home.

·        They may want to downsize and can no longer manage the upkeep of a home

·        They may become lonely and want to be in a community with others their age

·        It may no longer be safe for them to remain in their home and they are forced to look into alternative housing options.

Whatever the reason, there are senior housing options with various levels of care to meet the needs of the aging individual.

Independent Living Communities

An Independent Living Community allows individuals to age in an apartment or condo. It's usually in a community setting that offers various amenities and activities, as well as limited household maintenance. These communities can also be known as retirement communities.

Assisted Living Communities

An Assisted Living Community provides supportive services to individuals, while still allowing the resident to maintain his/her independence. They can be condos, duplexes, apartments or studios, and staff can provide assistance with bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping and other personal care services. Often such services may be at an additional cost. Some Assisted Living Communities may have a memory care unit to assist those with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes are for individuals who need consistent custodial care and have a specific need that required skilled help, such as intravenous medication or nurse's assistance. Most nursing homes allow the option for a shared room (two beds with a shared bath) or a private room (one bed with a private bath). Nursing homes provide medical care, dining services, personal care services, entertainment, socialization and mental and physical stimulation. Nursing homes also offer short term rehabilitation for individuals after a hospital stay.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities -- also known as CCRCs -- are communities that allow individuals to age in place. There are several types of care within one community, starting with independent living, the moving to assisted living and skilled nursing care as the individual's level of care needs increase. As the person ages, they are able to remain in their community with familiar surroundings. They may only have to move to a separate room or different building within the community when they need additional care. This is also helpful for spouses who may need different levels of care.

The Care.com Senior Care Guide provides an in-depth overview of the housing options discussed above for families looking for more information.

More Senior Care Services

• Call a Care.com Senior Care Advisor for assistance: 855-490-8679
• Join in on Senior Care Conversations now! Read our informative Senior Care Blog.