Who Can Participate?

Skilled nursing communities, often referred to as “nursing homes.” provide a wide range of health and personal care options. SNFs assist residents with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and getting dressed. This higher level of care includes 24-hour medical care, 3 meals a day, social activities, and rehabilitation services (e.g physical therapy, speech therapy).

Assisted living communities are for people who need help with daily care but not as involved as skilled nursing care. Assisted living residents typically live independently in their own apartment with on-site staff, housekeeping, security, social and recreational activities. There may be access to additional services (often for an additional fee) such as 3 meals a day, personal care assistance, and medication management.

Memory care communities provide long-term care services to individuals with cognitive decline and dementia. While memory care communities may offer similar services and support as assisted living communities, this housing type is staffed, structured, and equipped to meet the specific needs of individuals with dementia.

Independent living communities are age-restricted (~55+) communities. Housing options can vary from apartments, condos, townhomes and duplexes. These residential communities provide an active environment with scheduled activities and commonly provide amenities such as a fitness center, hair salon, on-site entertainment, and dining services. Some communities may provide housekeeping and linen services, security, and transportation.

Also known as Life Care communities or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer different levels of care in one location. Most Life Plan communities offer independent housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on a single campus. Where a resident lives depends on one’s necessary level of care. In a Life Plan community, if a resident in independent living experiences a change in health status they can move into the assisted living facility on site. If a resident in assisted living develops greater care needs, the resident is guaranteed placement in the skilled nursing community onsite.

Affordable Senior Housing, sometimes known as low-income senior housing, are 55+ communities supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs such as Section 202 and Section 8 Project-Based Rental assistance programs. Entry to these communities are income-based.

Hospice care is commonly administered to where a patient lives. A free-standing hospice residential facility is considered a patient's home and care is provided 24-hours a day. Free-standing hospice facilities offer an alternative route to care for those who do not have at-home caregivers to support their end-of-life journey.