Senior Community Housing Types

There are several categories of retirement communities. Each facility may offer one or several different types of senior care.

The definitions provided below are general and designed to give you a general idea of the different types of communities available to you.

At Senior Residential Choices we maintain a unique approach and proven process for locating the best home for you or your senior.


Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) is housing that offers a continuum of care for accommodations and services for seniors, including independent living, congregate housing, assisted living and skilled nursing. It may also include an Alzheimer’s unit. A CCRC requires a buy-in, or an up-front annuity purchase, followed by monthly payments covering services, amenities and needed medical help. The buy-in may be refundable depending on the individual CCRC policy.

Independent Living Communities offer independent living in separate apartments and the opportunity to share activities of daily living with other residents. It offers supportive services such as meals, housekeeping, social activities, and scheduled transportation. This community caters to a more active senior and no care is given.

Assisted Living Facilities offers help with non-medical activities of daily living including assistance in medication management, bathing, dressing/grooming, transfer assistance, escort service and incontinence, along with the same
supportive services as Independent Living Communities. Residents having dementia may reside here if the staff is trained for dementia care, or there may be a separate section for Alzheimer’s care.

Alzheimer’s Facilities may be a separate section of an Assisted Living Community or a separate free-standing community catering to Alzheimer’s disease.

Board and Care Assisted Living is a converted home that is for six residents. It provides a homelike setting with 24-hour care, more personalized care and social activities. The resident usually requires more care than offered at
an Assisted Living Community.

Skilled Nursing Facilities may be freestanding or a part of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). Patients require 24-hour skilled nursing care with licensed staffing.