Senior Living Guides
Every type of senior living, explained
What each option is, who it fits, what it typically costs, and the questions worth asking before you decide. Start with the one that sounds closest to your situation — each guide links to the others.
Assisted Living
Help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medications, in a private apartment with meals and housekeeping handled.
Read the guideMemory Care
Secured, specially staffed communities for people living with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
Read the guideIndependent Living
Maintenance-free apartments or cottages with dining, amenities, and a social calendar — no care built in.
Read the guideContinuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
One campus with independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing — move in once and stay as needs change.
Read the guideActive Adult Communities
55+ neighborhoods of homes or apartments with resort-style amenities and no services or care.
Read the guideSkilled Nursing Facilities
Licensed nursing homes providing 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation, short-term or long-term.
Read the guideIn-Home Care
Caregivers or nurses who come to the home — from a few hours a week to live-in support.
Read the guideResidential Care Homes
Assisted living in a real house with a handful of residents and a high caregiver-to-resident ratio.
Read the guideReady to visit?
Bring a touring checklist built for the type of community you're seeing.
View touring checklistsNot sure which type fits?
The Smart Match Quiz asks about care needs, lifestyle, and budget, then scores every community near you against your answers.
Take the Smart Match Quiz