The physical layout of CCRCs varies greatly, but all have primary residential areas, assisted living and a skilled nursing center. The majority offer low-rise condominium residences. Some facilities include recreational amenities, such as a pool, tennis courts or function rooms. Virtually all CCRCs have common areas and a common dining room. Assisted living in a CCRC refers to services, either in the apartment or in a separate part of the facility, to help the individual with daily activities which do not rise to the level of medical care.
Typical examples are help with walking or personal care.
Most CCRCs provide a limited amount of such assistance to residents in their regular apartments, but they will move the person to unit designed especially for assisted living if their need for assistance reaches a certain level. They often have an institutional appearance that is not present in the primary residential areas. Some CCRC health centers may have special units or programs for residents suffering from Alzheimer's disease, while others may cooperate with local adult day health programs to provide special services for such persons. CCRC nursing units are regulated by the same state agencies as nursing homes, and they operate the same in most respects. The level of staffing and the quality of care in a CCRC nursing unit may be greater than in an average nursing home.