Senior Living

Senior Living Communities Explained

If you're like many people, you started looking for residential senior care by Googling “nursing homes.” We certainly have nursing homes in our directory -- but be sure to take a moment to explore the other residential care options listed, such as assisted living and independent living. Depending on how much assistance or medical supervision your loved one needs, you may have many choices in residential senior care near you.

These days, there are more options than ever for individuals or couples looking to make the move into a residential community for seniors. Whether you or a senior loved one is looking to maintain their independent lifestyle, needs some help with everyday activities or closely supervised medical care, there’s a senior living community to meet their needs.

Whatever type of senior living community you’re looking for, you probably have plenty of questions. Here in Caring.com's Senior Living Directory, we've got the answers you need. And we've made the different options easy to find, organized by level of care.

Considering in-home senior care? Visit our Senior Care Directory to learn more.

Assisted Living | Help with activities of daily living

When your loved one needs help with eating, toileting, dressing, walking, and other basic activities, you'll want to look in our assisted living category. Options vary widely -- private or semi-private; rooms, condos, or houses; giant communities or shared homes; luxury amenities or simple basics.

Some of the providers you'll see offer memory care. Look for social opportunities, meaningful activities, fitness, transportation, cultural outings, and more. You can expect to pay $2,700-$6,000/month for a private one-bedroom unit, depending on where you live and the level of care your loved one needs.

Memory Care | Specialized care for dementia

Many assisted living and nursing home providers offer memory care, but if you'd like to find a provider who really specializes in memory care or Alzheimer's care, look in our Alzheimer's care facilities category. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000-$7,000/month for this type of care, depending on your location and the level of care your loved one needs.

Independent Living | For active, independent seniors

If your loved one is still able to manage on his own but is ready to downsize or move to a more social, fun setting, check out independent living communities. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$5,000/month, depending on your location and the apartment size, though some communities offer HUD-subsidized options for lower-income residents.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities | For spouses with different care needs

When one spouse is healthy and the other needs more assistance, consider continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). This can also be a good choice if your loved one wants to move once and never again. CCRCs usually require an up-front move-in deposit ($20,000-$550,000), and the monthly price range varies widely -- ranging from $500-$4,000/month plus additional fees.

Nursing Homes | For seniors with extensive medical needs

If your loved one needs close medical supervision, please start your search in nursing homes. This is where you'll find round-the-clock nursing care, post-hospital rehabilitation or acute care, meals, transportation, and help with activities of daily living. Average costs range from $4,500-$7,500/month or more depending on location and whether your loved one is in a shared or private room. In many cases this care is covered by the Veterans Administration (VA) or by Medicaid.

Adult Day Programs | For seniors who need some help and chances to socialize

The downside to aging in place is the potential for loneliness and isolation. Adult day programs, also known as adult daycare, are a valuable resource for seniors who would otherwise be home alone. Adult day programs offer classes, activities, entertainment, and a chance to socialize. (And you're able to go to work or run errands worry-free). You can expect to pay $50-$150/day, and many offer sliding scale pricing.