Assisted Living Communities for seniors offer different levels of care and living quarters.

Also known as residential care, board and care home, congregate care, adult care home, adult group home, alternative care facility or sheltered housing. In general, assisted living is a housing option for those who need help with some activities of daily living, including minor help with medications. Costs tend to vary according to the level of daily help required, although staff is available 24 hours a day.

Some assisted living communities provide apartment-style living with scaled-down kitchens, while others provide rooms. In some, you may need to share a room unless you’re willing to pay a higher cost. Most residences have a group dining area and common areas for social and recreational activities.

An assisted living facility may be a good choice if:

• You need more personal care services than are feasible at home or in an independent living retirement community
• You don’t need the round-the-clock medical care and supervision of a nursing home

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are facilities that include independent living, assisted living and nursing home care in one location, so seniors can stay in the same general area as their housing needs change over time. There is normally an upfront cost of buying a unit in the community, as well as monthly fees that increase as you require higher levels of care. It also can mean spouses can still be very close to one another even if one requires a higher level of care.