Assisted living
Housing with help for everyday routines. Compare the services offered, staffing arrangements and extra charges.
How charges usually work: Housing plus daily-support charges, either bundled or billed by services.
Explore this option →UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
Compare senior living options
Start with the housing you want, the support offered and the costs you need to understand. These labels describe arrangements; they do not confirm a community’s quality or suitability.
The options at a glance
Independent living
Housing, meals and shared activities, with services that vary by community. Ask what is included and how outside support works.
How charges usually work: Monthly housing and service fees; confirm meals, utilities and second-person charges.
Explore this option →Memory care
A setting designed to support people living with memory loss. Ask how the program works day to day and how families stay informed.
How charges usually work: Housing and program fees; ask which support and supplies are included.
Explore this option →Skilled nursing
Nursing and rehabilitation services. Short stays and long-term residence have different arrangements and payment questions.
How charges usually work: Daily or monthly charges; short-stay coverage has specific conditions.
Explore this option →Board and care homes
Smaller residential settings. Names, licenses and services vary by state, so check the details for each home.
How charges usually work: A monthly household and support charge; state rules and contracts vary.
Explore this option →Continuing care retirement communities
Several living and care options associated with one community. Compare the contract, entrance fees and rules for moving between settings.
How charges usually work: Entrance and monthly fees may apply. Future care charges depend on the contract.
Explore this option →Assisted living
Housing with help for everyday routines. Compare the services offered, staffing arrangements and extra charges.
Housing plus daily-support charges, either bundled or billed by services.
Questions worth asking
- What help is available overnight?
- Which services are included in the quote?
- What changes could require another setting?
Independent living
Housing, meals and shared activities, with services that vary by community. Ask what is included and how outside support works.
Monthly housing and service fees; confirm meals, utilities and second-person charges.
Questions worth asking
- Which services come with the apartment?
- Can outside personal assistance be arranged?
- Would needing support require a move?
Memory care
A setting designed to support people living with memory loss. Ask how the program works day to day and how families stay informed.
Housing and program fees; ask which support and supplies are included.
Questions worth asking
- How does the daily program work?
- How are staff prepared to support residents?
- How are families kept informed?
Skilled nursing
Nursing and rehabilitation services. Short stays and long-term residence have different arrangements and payment questions.
Daily or monthly charges; short-stay coverage has specific conditions.
Questions worth asking
- Is this a short rehabilitation stay or ongoing residence?
- Which services and provider certifications apply?
- What coverage, limits and discharge arrangements apply?
Board and care homes
Smaller residential settings. Names, licenses and services vary by state, so check the details for each home.
A monthly household and support charge; state rules and contracts vary.
Questions worth asking
- How many residents and staff share the home?
- Are bedrooms and bathrooms private?
- What is the state licensing category for this home?
Continuing care retirement communities
Several living and care options associated with one community. Compare the contract, entrance fees and rules for moving between settings.
Entrance and monthly fees may apply. Future care charges depend on the contract.
Questions worth asking
- Which care options are on this campus?
- What happens when another care level has no room?
- What are the entrance-fee refund and future care terms?
Use the name as a starting point
Names and licensing categories vary by state. One campus can offer several options, sometimes in separately licensed buildings. Confirm the exact address, services, fees and current availability.
Find state-specific help →