Navigating the world of senior living – for yourself or a loved one—can be challenging and confusing.  Understanding the terms below can be helpful when exploring senior living options and making decisions about care for yourself or a loved one.

Independent Living: Independent living communities are designed for active seniors who are capable of living on their own but desire the convenience of services such as housekeeping, transportation, and social activities. These communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle with various amenities and activities tailored to seniors' interests and preferences.

Assisted Living: Residents in assisted living communities have access to 24-hour support with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. The goal of assisted living is to provide a supportive environment that maximizes the independence and quality of life for its residents.

Memory Care: Memory care communities specialize in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. These communities offer specialized programs, structured routines, and a secure environment to ensure the safety and well-being of residents while addressing their unique cognitive and emotional needs.

Activities of Daily Living: Activities of daily living (ADLs) are basic self-care tasks that individuals perform each day to maintain their independence and well-being. These activities include bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting.

Respite Care: Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers by temporarily placing their loved ones in a senior living community. Whether for a few days or a few weeks, respite care allows caregivers to rest and recharge while ensuring their loved ones receive quality care and social engagement.

Aging in Place: Aging in place refers to the concept of older adults remaining at home, or in a senior living community, even as health care needs change.

Ambulatory: This refers to the ability to move about on one's own, or with assistive devices such as a cane or a walker. Non-Ambulatory, on the other hand, describes those with the inability to move independently due to being bedridden or hospitalized.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): CCRCs offer a continuum of care that allow residents to age in place. Levels of care can include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, respite care, and/or hospice care.

Palliative Care: A form of care that focuses on pain relief and preventing chronic suffering. For many individuals, this type of care is often administered alongside hospice care. 

Hospice Care: Hospice care is specifically for those who are nearing the end of life. It focuses on quality of life, the patient’s overall comfort, and emotional well-being.

For many families and older adults, starting the search for senior living can be an overwhelming process. Understanding key senior care terms can help assist you on your journey and make the process less confusing. Most importantly, when touring potential senior living communities for your loved one, always ask questions during your visit. Talk to staff as well as families and residents about their experiences as important ways to determine which community is best for you.