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An assisted living facility may be the best option for seniors who, for the most part, are able to function on their own, but who may sometimes need assistance with some of the basic activities of daily living ("ADLs") such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, bathing, dressing, ambulating, and help with daily medications. Most senior assisted living facilities will formulate a customized care plan for the resident to ensure he or she receives exactly the services needed. The level of services and care can vary along with the applicable costs. Some facilities costs are all inclusive, while others may vary their charges based on services rendered. Most assisted living communities are somewhat large and typically offer many social opportunities and events for the residents. The typical resident makes many new friends in this environment, and the family can have peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well cared for.

Board and Care homes offer a smaller, more intimate environment. Also referred to as residential care homes, or adult family homes, most are licensed for only six residents, and there are usually at least two caregivers there to assist. For those who prefer a more home-like setting, a board and care facility can offer certain advantages, like more supervision and hands-on care. Also, the monthly rates at board and cares are often significantly lower than at the larger senior care communities.

The terminology used for nursing homes will sometimes vary. They may also be called skilled nursing facilities or rest homes. Nursing homes are designed for those requiring a level of care beyond what can be provided in the home or in other types of senior care facilities. Nursing homes are staffed with 24 hour nursing care available, and typically provide various levels of care including personal care, medical care, and physical therapy services. A nursing home stay may be brief, or it may last indefinitely, depending on the senior’s condition. Some seniors are able to transition to other types of senior housing if their condition improves. Nursing home costs are usually covered, at least in part, by Medicaid or Medicare.

Dementia/Alzheimer’s units or communities are set up to provide a secured environment designed to protect those who may wander. Trained caregivers are there to assist those with dementia, and to provide activities specially designed to help stimulate the senior’s mental functions (such as brain fitness exercises and memory building practices). They also provide all the same type of special care which is typically found in assisted living facilities. Although many of these memory care/Alzheimer’s care units stand on their own as completely separate facilities, it’s also pretty common to find special "Memory care units" located within many senior living and assisted living communities.