Often referred to as levels of service, these senior living residential classifications refer to the type of care services included with the home or apartment.
Independent living does not include the cost of or arrangements for health care in the base package. Independent living is considered primarily a social, lifestyle choice. Residents manage their own daily lives and wellness, and they have access to amenities (such as a fitness center) and conveniences (such as housekeeping).
Assisted living is a healthcare level. Facilities are licensed by each state, with licensure types varying from state to state. Some facilities split assisted living into two levels of service (personal care and assisted living). Residences range in size, and most are furnished with a kitchenette (refrigerator, sink, microwave). Fees are based on apartment size and the included amount of assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs) such as ambulation, dressing, bathing, transferring, continence care, and eating.
Memory care is a program for the treatment, management and oversight of individuals with memory impairment. (Alzheimer’s disease is just one example of a type of memory-impairing illness.) Memory care programs may be delivered in licensed personal care, assisted living or nursing care settings. Residents usually need help with cueing and behavioral problems, which may or may not be accompanied by assistance with physical ADLs. Memory care programs are often registered or certified while the setting within which it is delivered is licensed.
Nursing care is the highest level of healthcare service delivery short of sub-acute and hospital care. Like personal care and assisted living, nursing care requires state licensure. Nursing care centers are staffed by a medical director, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and geriatric nursing assistants (GNAs). Twenty-four-hour care and oversight are provided. Most residents have a chronic condition, ongoing illness or extreme frailty that require a two-person transfer.