Alternative Types of Living for Seniors

Independent Living Communities

These communities are designed for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live without assistance. Basically, they are no different from other residential enclaves except that there is an age restriction (over 55).

Assisted Living

This is a residential setting that offers choices in personal care and health-related services designed for seniors who need regular help with daily activities, (bathing, dressing, toileting, walking, medication reminders) and who do not need a nursing care facility. Such facilities offer a custodial level of care for seniors with some functional impairments either physical or cognitive. Each residential unit has an emergency call system supported by, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, security, and staff.

Services Provided

These facilities may also offer three meals a day served in a common dining room, housekeeping services, transportation, health promotion and exercise programs, medication management, personal laundry services, and social and recreational activities. In some facilities, the basic fee covers all services. In others, the basic fee covers only limited services with additional charges for services on an as-needed basis.