Glossary of Terms
Independent Living
Adult Apartments: Apartment communities restricted by age, usually 55 and older.
Affordable Housing: Rental communities offering reduced rates based on a percentage of
household income. Other eligibility guidelines may also apply for certain communities such as age
or disability requirements.
Retirement Community: Independent living with amenities such as meals, transportation and
activities usually included in a monthly fee. Some communities may require an entrance fee or buy-in.
Adult Communities for Sale: Housing units restricted by age. These properties are generally ADA
accessible and may not require any ‘HOA’ fee.
Maintenance Free Living For Sale: Desirable housing units which may or may not be restricted
by age. These can be single family homes, duplexes, townhomes or condos.
ADULT CARE
Assisted Living: A general term to describe an assisted living residence for seniors where assistance
with activities of daily living is provided, as needed. There are many types of assisted living residences
(Assisted Living Residence-ALR, Enriched Living, Adult Home, Enhanced Assisted Living ResidenceEALR and Special Needs Assisted Living Residence-SNALR). Assisted Living facilities do not provide
24 hour care.
Nursing Home Care: Housing that offers the highest level of care for older adults outside of a
hospital. While they do provide assistance in activities of daily living, they differ from other senior
housing in that they also provide a high level of medical care. A licensed physician supervises each
resident’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is almost always on the premises.
Memory Care: Communities offering specialized programs for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s
disease or other forms of memory loss. Memory care facilities allow a person experiencing memory loss
to maintain a level of independence while relying on the safety and security of being in a residential
facility with a professional staff
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Continuing Care Options: Facilities or Residences that have the ability to offer increased levels of
care within their organization beyond independent living on a need for basis. This may include assisted
living, enriched living,