In short: Senior living communities fall into six main types. Independent living is for active adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle. Assisted living provides daily support with personal care tasks. Memory care serves those with Alzheimer's or dementia in secured settings. CCRCs offer multiple care levels on one campus. Skilled nursing facilities deliver round-the-clock medical care. Board and care homes provide personalized attention in a smaller, home-like environment.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are designed for older adults who value their independence but need regular help with activities of daily living. Residents typically receive support with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, and meal preparation while still maintaining a private apartment or suite.
Most assisted living communities offer a blend of personal care and lifestyle amenities. You can expect housekeeping services, organized social activities, transportation, dining programs, and 24-hour staff availability. The goal is to provide just enough support so residents can live as independently as possible without compromising safety.
The national average cost for assisted living ranges from $4,500 to $6,000 per month, though this varies significantly by region and the level of care required. Some communities use tiered pricing models that increase as care needs grow. For a deeper look at what drives these costs, see our guide to assisted living costs.
Assisted living is generally a good fit for individuals who can move around with limited assistance, participate in community life, and do not require 24-hour medical supervision. If a loved one is struggling to manage daily tasks at home but does not need intensive medical care, assisted living is often the right starting point.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized form of senior living designed for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory-related cognitive conditions. While it shares some characteristics with assisted living, memory care communities are purpose-built around the unique needs of residents with cognitive decline.
The most distinguishing feature of memory care is a secured environment. Communities are designed to prevent wandering, which is a common and potentially dangerous behavior associated with dementia. Entrances and exits are monitored, and the physical layout often uses wayfinding cues like color-coded hallways and visual landmarks to help residents navigate their surroundings.
Staff in memory care communities receive specialized training in dementia care techniques, including redirection, validation therapy, and managing behavioral changes. Daily routines are highly structured to reduce confusion and anxiety. Many programs incorporate music therapy, sensory stimulation, and reminiscence activities that are clinically shown to support cognitive function.
Memory care typically costs between $6,000 and $8,000 per month, reflecting the higher staff-to-resident ratios and specialized programming. Some families initially consider assisted living for a loved one with early-stage memory loss, then transition to memory care as symptoms progress. Understanding the key factors for choosing senior living can help you make that decision with confidence.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living communities cater to active older adults, typically aged 55 and over, who want to simplify their lives without giving up their autonomy. These communities eliminate the burdens of home maintenance, lawn care, and household chores so residents can focus on the things they enjoy most.
The emphasis in independent living is on lifestyle and community, not medical care. Residents live in private apartments, cottages, or townhomes and have access to amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, dining venues, social clubs, arts programs, and organized outings. Many communities also offer concierge services, on-site restaurants, and transportation for shopping or medical appointments.
Monthly costs for independent living typically range from $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the location, unit size, and amenities included. Because personal care services are not part of the standard package, independent living tends to be the most affordable senior living option. Some communities offer optional add-on services like housekeeping or laundry for an additional fee.
Independent living is ideal for individuals who are physically capable of managing their own daily care, do not have significant medical needs, and are looking for a vibrant social environment with the convenience of maintenance-free living.
What Are Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities, commonly known as CCRCs or life plan communities, offer a full continuum of care on a single campus. A resident can begin in an independent living apartment and seamlessly transition to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing as their needs change over time, all without leaving the community they call home.
The primary advantage of a CCRC is the ability to age in place. Couples especially benefit from this model. If one partner needs assisted living and the other is still independent, both can remain on the same campus. This continuity of community, friendships, and familiar surroundings can be deeply meaningful during health transitions.
CCRCs typically require an entrance fee, which can range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more depending on the community and contract type, plus ongoing monthly fees that vary by care level. There are generally three contract structures: Type A (life care) covers all future care at predictable costs, Type B (modified) covers a set amount of care before rates increase, and Type C (fee-for-service) charges market rates as care needs change.
CCRCs are best suited for individuals who are currently healthy, can meet the financial requirements, and want long-term peace of mind knowing that every level of care they may eventually need is available in one place.
What Are Skilled Nursing Facilities?
Skilled nursing facilities, sometimes called nursing homes, provide the highest level of medical care available in a residential setting. They are staffed with registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants around the clock, offering continuous medical monitoring and clinical support.
These facilities serve residents who require complex medical care that cannot be delivered in an assisted living community. This includes wound care, IV therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, ventilator support, and management of chronic conditions like advanced heart disease or late-stage Parkinson's disease. Many skilled nursing facilities also offer short-term rehabilitation stays following a hospital discharge.
The cost of skilled nursing care is the highest among senior living options, typically ranging from $9,000 to $10,000 or more per month for a semi-private room. Private rooms cost considerably more. Unlike other senior living types, Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing stays (up to 100 days) following a qualifying three-day hospital admission. Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term nursing home care for those who qualify financially.
Skilled nursing is the appropriate choice when medical needs are the primary concern and cannot be adequately managed in a less clinical setting. It is not a reflection of failure. Rather, it is a recognition that some health conditions require professional medical attention at all hours.
What Are Board and Care Homes?
Board and care homes, also known as residential care homes or adult family homes, are small residential facilities that typically house between 4 and 12 residents. They operate in converted single-family homes and provide a level of care similar to assisted living but in a much more intimate, home-like setting.
The smaller environment of a board and care home means residents receive more individualized attention. Caregivers know each resident personally and can tailor daily routines, meals, and activities to individual preferences. For older adults who feel overwhelmed by large communities or who thrive in quieter, family-style environments, board and care homes can be an excellent alternative.
Services typically include help with daily activities, medication management, three meals a day, laundry, and light housekeeping. Some board and care homes specialize in memory care or serve residents with specific needs. Social activities tend to be more informal, such as shared meals, card games, or outings to local parks.
Costs for board and care homes generally fall between $3,000 and $5,500 per month, making them comparable to or slightly less expensive than larger assisted living communities. However, availability varies widely by region, and amenities like fitness centers or swimming pools found in larger communities are typically not available.
Comparison: All Senior Living Types Side-by-Side
The following table provides a quick reference to compare the six main types of senior living communities across the factors that matter most: who the community serves, what services are included, monthly cost expectations, and the level of medical care available.
| Type | Best For | Typical Services | Monthly Cost Range | Medical Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | Active adults who want maintenance-free living | Dining, housekeeping, social activities, transportation | $2,500 - $4,500 | Minimal or none |
| Assisted Living | Seniors needing help with daily activities | Personal care, medication management, meals, activities | $4,500 - $6,000 | Moderate (non-medical) |
| Memory Care | Individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia | Secured environment, structured routines, cognitive therapies | $6,000 - $8,000 | Moderate to high (specialized) |
| CCRC | Those planning for long-term aging in place | Full continuum from independent to skilled nursing | Varies + entrance fee | All levels available |
| Skilled Nursing | Seniors with complex medical or rehab needs | 24/7 nursing, IV therapy, wound care, rehabilitation | $9,000 - $10,000+ | High (clinical, 24/7) |
| Board and Care | Those preferring a small, home-like setting | Personal care, meals, medication management in a residential home | $3,000 - $5,500 | Moderate (non-medical) |
How Do I Know Which Type Is Right?
Choosing the right type of senior living starts with an honest assessment of three core areas: care needs, budget, and lifestyle preferences. No single community type is universally better than another. The right choice depends entirely on the individual circumstances of the person who will be living there.
Assess Current and Future Care Needs
Begin by evaluating how much daily assistance is needed right now. Can your loved one bathe, dress, and prepare meals independently? Are there mobility challenges or fall risks? Is there a cognitive condition that requires specialized attention? Also consider how needs may evolve over the next two to five years. If a progressive condition like dementia is involved, planning for a higher level of care from the start, or choosing a CCRC that offers seamless transitions, can prevent a disruptive move later.
Evaluate Your Budget Honestly
Senior living is a significant financial commitment, and costs vary dramatically across community types. Review all available resources: personal savings, retirement income, Social Security, pension benefits, long-term care insurance, veteran benefits, and potential Medicaid eligibility. Understanding the full financial picture helps narrow the options to what is both sustainable and appropriate. Our assisted living cost guide provides a detailed breakdown of cost factors and funding options.
Consider Lifestyle Preferences
Beyond care and cost, lifestyle fit matters. Some individuals thrive in large communities with busy social calendars, fitness classes, and on-site amenities. Others prefer a quieter, more intimate environment like a board and care home. Think about what brings your loved one joy, what daily routines are important, and what kind of social environment would help them feel at home. Our guide to choosing senior living walks through these considerations step by step.
Not sure where to start?
YourPath matches you with senior living communities based on your unique care needs, budget, and preferences. Our free personalized path takes the guesswork out of this decision.
Get Your Free Personalized PathFrequently Asked Questions About Types of Senior Living
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?
Assisted living provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management for older adults who are largely independent but need some support. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive conditions. Memory care communities feature secured environments, structured daily routines, and staff trained in dementia-specific care techniques.
How much does senior living cost per month?
Monthly costs vary widely by care type and location. Independent living typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per month. Assisted living averages $4,500 to $6,000 per month. Memory care runs approximately $6,000 to $8,000 per month. Skilled nursing facilities can exceed $9,000 to $10,000 per month. Board and care homes often fall between $3,000 and $5,500 per month. Your actual cost depends on geographic region, room type, and level of care required.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living or memory care?
Medicare generally does not cover long-term assisted living or memory care costs. Medicare may cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a qualifying hospital stay, typically up to 100 days. Medicaid, which is a separate program from Medicare, may help cover some assisted living costs in certain states depending on eligibility. Long-term care insurance and veterans benefits (VA Aid and Attendance) are other common funding sources for senior living.
What is a CCRC and how does it work?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a senior living campus that offers multiple levels of care in one location, from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing. Residents typically pay an entrance fee (ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 or more) plus monthly fees. The benefit is aging in place: as care needs change over time, residents move between levels of care within the same community rather than relocating to a different facility.
How do I know when it is time to move from independent living to assisted living?
Key indicators that a transition may be appropriate include difficulty managing daily activities like cooking, bathing, or dressing; increased falls or mobility challenges; missed medications or medical appointments; social isolation or withdrawal; noticeable weight loss or poor nutrition; and safety concerns around driving or home maintenance. A conversation with a primary care physician can provide additional guidance on the appropriate level of care.
Can couples live together in senior living communities?
Yes, many senior living communities accommodate couples. Independent living and assisted living communities commonly offer apartments or suites for couples. If partners require different levels of care, some communities and CCRCs allow one partner to receive assisted living services while the other lives more independently, keeping them on the same campus. Availability and pricing for couples varies by community, so it is important to ask during your search.
Last updated: February 2026