Types of Senior Housing and Care

ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY Usually offer a choice of spacious homes rather than apartments, often with a clubhouse in which a variety of activities are planned for residents. Monthly fees may cover services such as housekeeping and maintenance, but meals are usually not included.
APARTMENTS Apartments for seniors who are totally independent. Meal service, activity, programs and services usually aren’t included.
CCRC Continuing Care Retirement Community. Full service communities offering a long-term contract that provides for a continuum of care, including retirement, assisted living and nursing services, all on one campus.
RETIREMENT Totally independent living with amenities such as meals, transportation and activities usually included in a monthly fee.
ASSISTED LIVING Multi-unit facilities that provide assistance with medications and daily activities such as bathing and dressing.
RESIDENTIAL Usually single family homes licensed to provide assistance with medications, bathing and dressing.
GROUP HOME Serves the Elderly and Disabled who do not require constant medical supervision but cannot live independently. These persons may be on medication but must be self compliant and ambulatory (assistance such as wheelchair or walker allowed.
ALZHEIMER’S Facilities offering specialized programs for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of memory loss. These programs can be offered by Residential, Assisted Living or Nursing facilities.
NURSING/REHAB Facilities licensed to provide skilled nursing services under the supervision of licensed nurses.
CONGREGATE CARE Usually single family homes licensed to provide assistance with medication, bathing and dressing. Also licensed to provide skilled nursing services under the supervision of licensed nurses.
SUB-ACUTE Facilities licensed to provide nursing services, but specializing in higher levels of care.
REHAB Comprehensive rehabilitation services include inpatient and outpatient treatment designed to restore and strengthen abilities.
HOME CARE Includes both companies that provide licensed health care services in the home and companies who provide non-medical assistance with such tasks as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and transportation. Medicare and Medicaid provide financial assistance in some cases.
HOSPICE Hospice care may be provided in the home or a senior care facility. Services can include pain management and a variety of emotional, spiritual and physical support issues. Medicare, and Medicaid provide financial assistance, in some cases.
DAY CARE Various programs provide a range of geriatric day services, including social, nutrition, nursing, and rehabilitation. Not all programs provide all services.
SITTER SERVICE Services of sitters, aides or private duty nurses or therapists in the home, hospital or residential facility on a private pay basis. May include personal care assistance, grooming, medication supervision, light housekeeping, transportation, nursing care or therapy.
CARE MANAGEMENT Offer advisory services addressing a wide range of senior issues, such as selecting a senior residence, choosing in-home care providers, and various financial options. Typically care managers evaluate a senior’s situation with regard to health needs, housing choices and financial needs and then provide a recommended care plan.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH These are usually hospital-based programs that provide a range of geriatric psychiatric services in either an in-patient or outpatient basis. Medicare & Medicaid (or Medi-Cal) provide financial assistance in some cases.
PHYSICIAN CARE Medical professionals who offer health services or referrals to match the special needs of patients.