Glossary of Key Terms to Know About Senior Living Communities

May 07, 2023


Senior Living Communities are a growing type of living arrangement for seniors, and many people are unfamiliar with the key terms associated with choosing one. To make sure you understand the various aspects of Senior Living Communities, here is a glossary of important terms you should know when considering this type of living arrangement.

  • Assisted Living – Assisted Living Communities provide a combination of housing, support services, and health care. They are designed to provide residents with the highest degree of independence, while also providing a safe and secure environment with 24-hour access to care and support. Assisted Living Communities generally provide three meals a day, housekeeping, and medication management.
  • Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) – A CCRC is a type of senior living community that offers a continuum of care—from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care—all in one community. This type of community is designed to meet the needs of seniors who may require various levels of care throughout their lives.
  • Independent Living – Independent Living Communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors who are able to live independently. These communities typically include a variety of amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and social activities. Independent Living Communities typically provide three meals a day, housekeeping, and transportation services.
  • Memory Care – Memory Care Communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These communities provide a secure and supportive environment that is specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors with memory impairments. Memory Care Communities provide 24-hour supervision, medical services, and a variety of therapeutic activities.
  • Nursing Homes – Nursing Homes provide a combination of health care and residential services for seniors who need 24-hour medical care and supervision. Nursing Homes provide skilled nursing care, physical therapy, medication management, and other services.
  • Skilled Nursing Care – Skilled Nursing Care is a type of care provided by licensed nurses who are trained to provide specialized medical care. It is typically provided in a nursing home or other health care facility. Skilled Nursing Care includes services such as wound care, intravenous therapy, and physical therapy.

These are the key terms associated with Senior Living Communities. Understanding these terms will help you make an informed decision when choosing a senior living option that best meets your needs. It is also important to research various communities to determine which one offers the best amenities and services for you or your loved one. By doing your research and understanding the key terms associated with Senior Living Communities, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the type of care that best meets your needs.

Related Questions

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living Communities provide a combination of housing, support services, and health care. They are designed to provide residents with the highest degree of independence, while also providing a safe and secure environment with 24-hour access to care and support. Assisted Living Communities generally provide three meals a day, housekeeping, and medication management.

What is a CCRC?

A CCRC is a type of senior living community that offers a continuum of care—from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care—all in one community. This type of community is designed to meet the needs of seniors who may require various levels of care throughout their lives.

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living Communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors who are able to live independently. These communities typically include a variety of amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and social activities. Independent Living Communities typically provide three meals a day, housekeeping, and transportation services.

What is Memory Care?

Memory Care Communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These communities provide a secure and supportive environment that is specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors with memory impairments. Memory Care Communities provide 24-hour supervision, medical services, and a variety of therapeutic activities.

What is a Nursing Home?

Nursing Homes provide a combination of health care and residential services for seniors who need 24-hour medical care and supervision. Nursing Homes provide skilled nursing care, physical therapy, medication management, and other services.

What is Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled Nursing Care is a type of care provided by licensed nurses who are trained to provide specialized medical care. It is typically provided in a nursing home or other health care facility. Skilled Nursing Care includes services such as wound care, intravenous therapy, and physical therapy.

How do I choose the best Senior Living Community for me?

It is important to research various communities to determine which one offers the best amenities and services for you or your loved one. By doing your research and understanding the key terms associated with Senior Living Communities, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the type of care that best meets your needs.

Interested in the Best Senior Living Communities in Northern California?

Discover the many benefits of senior living communities by reading more of our blog posts! For a comprehensive list, check out our rankings of Best Senior Living Communities in Northern California.

Parker Davis | Alex Williams | Jamie Williams