Types of Living Facilities for Seniors

Many retired and elderly people prefer to spend their final years in some type of a retirement home that allows them to live comfortably and with little trouble. Below are various types of facilities that cater to different needs and desires to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

1. Independent living facilities are recommended for people who need little to no help. The facility may offer meals, activities, transportation and recreation for seniors. Independent living facilities are also known as senior housing, retirement communities, or congregate living facilities.

2. Active-adult communities are housing developments that offer independent, fairly maintenance-free living to senior adults age 55 and older. Some communities are “age restricted,” which means 80 percent of homeowners must be 55 and over. Communities that are “age targeted” simply market to the 55+ seniors. Many residents in these types of communities continue to work part or full time. Active adult communities may offer golf, dance, yoga, crafts, cookouts and even academic classes.

3. Green and eco-friendly communities. Many elderly people prefer to live in communities that are environmentally friendly. Such communities use recycled building materials and therefore achieve a high standard of indoor air quality, while leaving a minimal footprint on the environment.

4. Advanced care facilities provide daily support and care. Advance care facilities usually provide meals, medication management, housekeeping and other services. These facilities are also known as assisted living facilities. Communities below fall in the advanced care facilities category:

• Continuing care retirement communities provide independent living, assisted living, and nursing care. These communities cater to their residents’ particular needs; for example, if one spouse needs high-skilled nursing care, the other can keep on living in his or her own apartment. When the other spouse gets better, they are able to move back to the apartment.
• Assisted living communities provide buildings with meals, medical services, housekeeping and transportation.

• Retirement homes are increasingly for the very old. It is comparable to assisted living in several ways, but not as high skilled of care as a nursing home.
• Nursing homes are usually the last stay for the elderly. These homes provide a high level of skilled care.