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Question: Retirement community . . . assisted care . . . independent living. There are so many terms used to describe housing and services for seniors, what is the basic difference between them?
Answer: The basic difference has to do with the type and nature of services. The following are general terms used to describe categories of senior housing.
Independent Living (also called congregate housing, senior apartment and retirement community) provides a private apartment within a larger residential building. It usually includes shared common space, planned activities and 24-hour staffing. It is for seniors managing their health needs who want both independence and companionship. Costs typically are comparable to local rents, currently from $600 to $1,200 a month, but can reach $2,500 or more if meals and other services are added.
Assisted Living is a blend of housing, health-related care and services. The housing, again, usually is an apartment while care includes 24-hour supervision, meals, and personal assistance with medications management and such activities of daily living as dressing, grooming, bathing, eating and using the restroom. It is designed for seniors who feel unsafe living alone or who need help with everyday activities. Basic rates for the apartment or shared room usually start at $1,200 a month. The cost of care can add $1,000 a month or more. It offers autonomy and opportunities for social interaction with greater guardianship of residents. It is licensed by the state and officially designated as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs).
Board and Care Home is licensed under the same laws as Assisted Living but typically provides care to six or fewer residents. Usually a large, single-family dwelling has been converted to provide senior care. Often the home’s owners and family provide the care to their residents.
Nursing Home (skilled nursing facility or SNF, pronounced “sniff”) is a medical facility for the aged who need continual health care attention. It serves seniors with deteriorating mental or physical conditions and costs about $4,200 a month or $50,000 a year. It is licensed by the federal government and may participate in the Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal) programs. It is about the only option for seniors who need on-going medical intervention and for those who cannot afford to pay for long-term care.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (life care, continuing care retirement community, CCRC) offers independent, assisted and skilled living arrangements as well as care in one “campus” or location. It typically requires an entry fee, guarantees care as residents age and allows them to have an equity-interest in their living quarters. It is for seniors who want to “age in place,” that is, receive medical care without having to relocate. Entrance fees are often $200,000 and the monthly costs range from $1,500 to $5,000.