Retirement Housing: An Overview

Gone are the days when “retirement housing” was just a nice way of saying “nursing home.” These days there are many different senior living options, yet, according to a study published in The Journal of Consumer Affairs, many seniors and their families are not aware of the choices.

An overview of the alternatives reveals that retirement housing is as varied as the lifestyles and needs of residents. Families who talk about these options ahead of time can better understand their appeal and plan for the future.

Seniors seek retirement housing for several reasons. Perhaps they want to make changes in their lifestyle–to downsize, shed home maintenance chores or socialize with other mature adults. Some need (or anticipate needing) assistance with daily activities, and retirement housing that focuses on seniors allows them to continue living independent lives while receiving routine or specialized care.

Two fundamental considerations in deciding among the many options for retirement housing are the senior’s level of independence and level of physical and cognitive health.

Active Adult and Independent Living Communities

If levels of independence and physical and cognitive health are strong and no assistance with routine activities is required, then the senior can consider an active adult community or independent living community.

The main difference between active adult and independent living communities is their focus. Active adult communities cater to active pursuits, such as golf, exercise, and socializing, while independent living communities emphasize convenient and secure environments.

Residents of active adult and independent living communities pay a monthly fee for services and amenities, such as:

• Maintenance of common areas
• Recreation facilities
• Security
• Satellite or cable TV
• Internet connection
• Garbage collection
• Snow removal

While most residents in active adult communities are homeowners, independent living communities vary and might include apartments and/or rooms. In either case, residents in this type of retirement housing live independently in their own maintenance-free space.

Those who like to socialize or keep busy can participate in organized activities like exercise, games, arts and crafts, and movies. Security systems, such as an electronic gate, guards, or 24-hour surveillance, provide residents with a feeling of greater safety.

In senior apartments especially, residents can purchase additional services, including meals in a common dining room (usually one meal per day), housekeeping and laundry. Depending on the community, residents might also have access to a pool, exercise room, library, and meeting and media rooms.

Assisted Living

For seniors who retain good physical and mental health but need some help with medications and routine chores like bathing, dressing, and moving from place to place, assisted living is a good solution. Sometimes called “residential care” or “semi-independent” communities, assisted living communities emphasize autonomy and privacy but assist with residents’ needs.

Assisted living communities offer 24-hour staff, housekeeping, meals, and assistance with personal care and daily activities. Because these communities are governed by state standards and regulations, facilities and services will vary depending on area of the country.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer a mix of retirement housing, from independent living to assisted living or skilled care to nursing home. The advantage of these communities is that the environment includes the entire gamut of services, including an on-site clinic (physician or nurse staffed) and home care services.

When first conceived of, these communities required a large entrance payment in return for guaranteed care in case of immobility or debilitating illness. Now, however, many CCRCs offer residents a “pay as you go” option that fluctuates according to services provided. CCRCs are a good choice for seniors who anticipate changing mobility and health.

Residents can move from one part of the community to another as their needs change without too much disruption, retaining doctors and other professionals and remaining close to friends.

Summary of Retirement Housing Options

Here is a breakdown of services and amenities offered by the various retirement housing types:

Find Retirement Housing

As these options show, seniors and their families need not view retirement housing with dread. In fact, choosing retirement housing based on needs and level of health probably enables seniors to live full lives in environments that accommodate the changes and challenges that come with age.

Our comprehensive directory can help you find Independent Living, Assisted Living and Continuing Care communities today!

Written by senior housing writer Lisa Logan, PhD.