Housing Options for Seniors

Retirement Homes, Retirement Cottages:

• Not licensed
• Residents must be independent in activities of daily living*
• Meals provided: one to three daily. Housekeeping: weekly
• Private apartments (from studio up to two bedroom/two bath)

Adult Foster Care Homes:

• Licensed by local Senior and Disabled Services office
• Assistance with activities of daily living*
• Meals provided: All. Housekeeping: comprehensive
• Medication management
• Maximum 5 residents per home. Usually, shared bathrooms

Residential Care Communities:

• Licensed by state office of Senior and Disabled Services
• Assistance with activities of daily living*
• Staffed 24-hours a day; some have a nurse on staff
• Medication management
• Private and semi-private rooms, generally with shared bathrooms
  (a few offer private apartments)

Assisted Living Communities:

• Licensed by state office of Senior and Disabled Services
• Assistance with activities of daily living*; increases as needs increase
• Staffed 24-hours a day
• Medication management or resident can manage with health care provider’s permission

*Activities of Daily Living are eating, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, mobility, etc.