Nursing homes are not your only option for care in retirement. Some facilities offer only housing and housekeeping, but many do provide a more personal care and even medical services. Oftentimes, with medical care there are specialized units for memory care or specific disabilities/illnesses.

Nursing Homes

With a wide range of health and personal care, nursing homes offer more than just assisted living. There is 24-hour supervision and care, meals, personal care, and assistance with everyday living. Part of why they are the most common facility for the elderly is also rehabilitation services (physical, speech, occupational) and extra curriculars that build and maintain community.

Another reason nursing homes are so popular is because they offer long-term and short-term stays especially those who only need short supervision and rehabilitation.

Board and Care Homes

Known as residential care facilities or group homes, board and care homes are smaller facilities with 20 or less residents. Rooms are either private or shared, but staff is available around the clock for personal care and meals. Medical care is off-site.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is for retirees who need daily care, but as much help as someone in a nursing home. These types of facilities typically offer their residents levels of care, where specific levels are more costly. In comparison to nursing homes, assisted living facilities do have fewer residents.

The residents typically stay in apartments or rooms and then shared space is the common areas. With access to daily meals and personal care assistance, certain levels of care offer different services such as medical or housekeeping care.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Referred to as life care communities, CCRCs offer independent living arrangements, but also have assisted living, or skilled nursing care on the same campus. Recreational and healthcare services are also provided onsite.

The biggest plus to a CCRC is you are permitted to live and transfer depending on your needs. Someone who is looking to live somewhere that might offer long-term care services if they need it may want to live here even if they are fully able to live independently now.