There are today several various types of Senior Living Options available.  These types of facilities or homes are where a person may live and get the proper care and services they require in a residential setting.

One significant consideration is whether or not the resident/patient will be using state funds (Medicaid) to pay for care. If state funds are to be used, the home or facility must be licensed by the State and accept Medicaid payment for residents.

Senior Living Options  Include:

State licensed:

• Nursing Homes
• Adult Family Homes
• Boarding Homes

Non state-licensed:

• Retirement Communities
• Independent Living
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Adult Family Homes

Adult Family Homes are usually residential neighborhood-type homes in which the staff assumes responsibility for the well being and safety of the occupant. Meals, laundry, supervision, a room and various levels of assistance with care are provided. Some may occasionally provide skilled-nursing care. Some may offer special care for residents with dementia issues, developmental or mental disabilities. The home can have from 2 to 6 residents and is required to carry a license by the state.

Boarding Homes

Boarding Homes are facilities in a community setting where the staff assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of the adult. Many boarding homes may call themselves “Assisted Living” facilities. Meals, housing, laundry, supervision, and various levels of care are provided. Some provide nursing care as well. Some offer specialized care for people with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or dementia. The home can have more than seven or more residents and is licensed by the state.

Nursing Homes (Facilities)

Nursing homes provide 24-hour supervised nursing care, nutrition management, therapy, personal care, social services, organized activities, room, board and laundry service.  This is a very common Senior Living Option.

Retirement Communities/Independent Living Facilities

Retirement communities and independent living facilities are housing options just for adults typically 55 or older.  The residents are generally healthy and any medical or personal care can be provided by visiting nurses or a home health aide. Staff and personnel among the retirement community don’t take on the general responsibility of the safety and well-being of the seniors.

There are many different kinds of planned retirement communities from single family home developments to large scale facilities, to smaller-scale senior condos or apartments.

Continuing Care Retirement Community

A Continuing Care Retirement Community is a residential community for seniors that offer a wide-range of housing options (normally independent living through nursing home care) and various levels of medical and personal care services. A CCRC is designed to meet a resident’s needs in a familiar setting as he/she grows older. Residents usually move into a community such as this when they’re in “good” health.

A CCRC resident usually has to sign a long-term contract that provides for personal care, housing, yard care, housekeeping, and nursing care. This contract typically involves either an admission fee in addition to monthly service charges, which may change according to the medical or personal care services required. Fees vary depending on whether the senior rents or owns the living space, the size and location, and the type of service plan chosen. Because the contracts are lifelong and fees vary, it is important to get financial and legal advice before signing on to this type of Senior Living Option.

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