| Glossary of Retirement Housing Terms |
Adult Care Homes: Known as
"rest homes." A type of assisted living licensed by the state for those who
cannot live independently but do not need medical care. Provides supervision, three meals
a day and personal care.
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Adult Communities: Not restricted
by age, but may be designed for active retirees, offering leisure activities and various
services. Varied housing options typically available.
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Assisted Living: Refers to three
categories of housing - adult care homes, multi-uni t assisted housing with services and
group homes for developmentally disabled adults. At a minimum, one meal a day,
housekeeping and personal care services are available directly or through a home care
agency. Also includes nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities.
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Congregate Housing: A type of
elderly apartments offering supportive services including meals in a central dining room.
Services are tailored to the individual's needs including activities, housekeeping,
laundry and transportation.
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities: Offer
a variety of living arrangements, services and amenities including activities,
recreational facilities, meals and housekeeping. Nursing home and adult care home levels
of care also available. Also known as continuing care facilities or life care communities.
State license required.
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Independent Living: Encompasses a
wide range of choices for elders who are able to live on their own with minimum
assistance. Includes elderly apartments, congregate housing, continuing care retirement
communities, adult communities, shared housing, public housing and subsidized housing.
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Intermediate Care Facility: A
nursing home where 24-hour supervision is provided but not around-the-clock nursing care.
Basic medical procedures are included such as administering medicine, changing dressings
and injections.
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Naturally Occurring Retirement Community:
A community where older residents have congregated, attracted by features such as
location, convenience or affordability. Since this is not a formal retirement living
arrangement, these communities are not often included in lists of retirement housing.
Consult a local REALTOR for such options.
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Non-subsidized Housing: Private-pay
housing of any kind where residents do not receive financial assistance with fees.
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Nursing Homes: Licensed by the
state to provide 24-hour supportive care, nursing care and other medically-related
services such as rehabilitation and therapy. Admission by a physician's order. Includes
Skilled Nursing Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities.
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Public Housing: A type of
federally-supported subsidized housing administered by local public housing authorities
where tenants pay 30% of their incomes in rent. Units may or may not be designated elder
apartments. Contact the local public housing authority for details.
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Shared Group Residences: Residents have private
space and share public common areas. These are usually sponsored by non-profit
organizations. Services such as transportation and meals may be available.
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