Many people remain in their own homes, active and healthy, decades beyond age 65. Senior housing includes a variety of retirement communities for independent living as well as numerous options for those who are having difficulty continuing to manage independently.

What are the main types of senior housing and residential care?

Senior housing is a group-living situation where senior citizens can live in proximity to their peers and partake of a wide range of activities and special services. Senior housing ranges from single-family homes in a senior community to large group living facilities. Seniors who want to remain in their own homes can find resources and direction in Helpguide’s Services to Help Seniors Stay at Home.

People who explore senior housing as an alternative for themselves or a loved one find a complex and often confusing array of options and descriptions but senior housing really consists of just 3 basic types:

* Independent living

* Assisted living

* Nursing home care

Assisted living is sometimes called “board & care” and “congregate housing.” Residential care that combines all 3 housing types is called Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s).

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