Glossary
Shared room
Also called: Semi-private room, Companion suite
A shared room, or semi-private room, is a bedroom in a care community occupied by two unrelated residents, usually the lowest-priced option.
Common in residential care homes and memory care. Ask how roommates are matched and what happens if the pairing does not work.
Related terms
Studio apartment
A studio is a private one-room apartment in a senior living community, with a bathroom and often a kitchenette, and is typically the lowest-priced private option.
Starting price
A starting price is the lowest monthly rate a community quotes, usually a shared or studio room at the lightest level of care, before care fees.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.