Assisted Living Facilities Assisted living facilities are licensed residential facilities that provide housing, food services and personal services for aged or disabled adults who require supervision or assistance with the activities of daily living. There are Federal and State programs that subsidize housing for older people with low to moderate incomes. Residents live on their own, in a private townhouse or apartment, but usually have meals served in a community dining room or clubhouse. Subsidized senior housing serves as a lower cost alternative to assisted living, though assisted living communities are frequently newer and more luxurious. Independent Living Communities Residents live independently in a private townhouse or apartment.
Meals are usually in a community dining room or clubhouse.
A campus-like setting which generally combines the characteristics of independent and assisted living with nursing home facility services. The residences are conveniently located near each other and offer an alternative for elderly family members who do not have an immediate need for nursing home care, but who wish to plan ahead. Since SNUs are not licensed as nursing home facilities, there will be no facility ratings listed in this guide. The SNU beds are licensed as hospital beds. Be aware that for a hospital skilled nursing unit, the number of days one may stay is limited.