Housing Definitions

Key Senior Housing Definitions:

Assisted Living
Assisted Living Residences: State regulated rental properties that provide the same services as independent living communities listed above, but also provide, in a majority of the units, supportive care from trained employees to residents who are unable to live independently and require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) including management of medications, bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulating and eating. These properties may have some nursing beds, but the majority of units are licensed for assisted living. Many of these properties include wings or floors dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. A property that specializes in the care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia that is not a licensed nursing facility should be considered an assisted living property. Residents receive personal care services such as assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, walking and toileting. Twenty-four hour protective oversight is provided, but twenty-four hour medical care is not.
_{Source: National Investment Center For the Seniors Housing & Care Industry}

Memory Care Units
Units that are either licensed assisted living facilities that specialize in delivering care to victims of dementia or a unit of a skilled nursing facility. The same licensure rules as assisted living communities applies. Communities are typically bedroom-style rental units with common areas for dining and activities. Many are locked for residents’ safety. Staff is usually specially trained for the special needs of this population. Amenities vary. Services include meal plans, cable television, local phone calls, housekeeping, laundry maintenance and transportation. Personal assistance with ADLs available. Rates also vary from all-inclusive to base rates with levels of care/point system for care. Payor sources usually accepted are private pay, some insurance plans, Medicaid Waiver (AL) Medicaid (SNF) and Medicare (SNF).
_{Source: Seniors Blue Book}

Senior Apartments
Multifamily residential rental properties restricted to adults at least 55 years of age or older. These properties do not have central kitchen facilities and generally do not provide meals to residents, but may offer community rooms, social activities, and other amenities.
_{Source: National Investment Center For the Seniors Housing & Care Industry}

Independent Living Communities
Age-restricted multifamily rental properties with central dining facilities that provide residents, as part of their monthly fee, access to meals and other services such as housekeeping, linen service, transportation, and social and recreational activities. Such properties do not provide, in a majority of the units, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as supervision of medication, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc. There are no licensed skilled nursing beds in the property.
_{Source: National Investment Center For the Seniors Housing & Care Industry}