Different Types of Retirement Communities

For many active, independent seniors, there are several retirement community options to consider. Many forms of independent senior living offer active adults over 55 the means to live life the way they want to, while accounting for their particular needs. But keeping track of different types can often become confusing. Below are six factors to help you understand the key differences.

Independent Living Community

Independent living communities, sometimes called retirement communities or senior apartments depending on the housing type, are a basic form of senior living. These are age-restricted communities varying in form from different apartments in a single building to a small neighborhood of townhouses and bungalows. The housing features private kitchens and bathrooms to guarantee privacy. Alongside various services such as housekeeping and laundry, they offer communal spaces for seniors to meet, including dining halls and social programming. They also offer 24/7 security, giving seniors peace of mind.

Typically, independent living communities offer housing for a rental fee that covers utilities and maintenance, as well as communal services such as dining and security.

Age Restriction:  55+ or 62+

Health & Mobility Restriction: Must be independent

Payment Requirements: Rental

Property Type: Single family homes, townhouses, bungalows, mobile homes, apartments with full kitchens but with flexibility to move to a different floorplan pending availability

Services & Amenities: May include some amenities such as a pool or fitness center. Services such as housekeeping, laundry, linen service, meals, activity programming, and scheduled transportation are also offered

Aging in Place: No. Services are not provided by the community. Outside help will need to be procured or residents must move to a facility that could provide a higher level of care

Active Adult Community

Active adult communities take the idea of independent living and enhance it to promote an active lifestyle among seniors. Many of these communities offer, alongside homes for rent, various resort-like amenities that promote healthy and active living. These include golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centers, walking trails, and more. These communities also tend to be located near shopping areas, a variety of restaurants, and other social spaces that allow seniors to mingle in different ways. While there may not be communal spaces for eating and the like, the various social groups and organizations that form in active adult communities make up for that with more opportunities to be social among fellow seniors.

Similar to gated communities found elsewhere, they rent homes and expect owners to pay a monthly HOA fee.

Age Restriction:  No firm restriction but often targeted to an older resident

Health & Mobility Restriction: Must be independent

Payment Requirements: Purchase + monthly fees

Property Type: Single family homes, townhouses, bungalows, mobile homes, apartments with full kitchens

Services & Amenities: Typically geared to active adults who enjoy a leisure lifestyle. Amenities may include pool, tennis courts, golf course. Services may include lawn and home maintenance

Aging in Place: No. Services are not provided by the community. Outside help will need to be procured or residents must move to a facility that could provide a higher level of care

Continuing Care Retirement Community

Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, combine the best of independent living and active adult communities and go further with healthcare support, ensuring active seniors can age in place. These are often communities with single-family homes and towns designed with accessibility in mind, sharing many of the features found in independent living communities. They also have various amenities such as pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, golf courses, walking and biking trails, restaurants, and more.

Most importantly, though, CCRCs provide one thing neither independent living nor active adult communities offer: 24/7 access to healthcare services. They are guaranteed at least some access as part of the contract they sign, ensuring access to nurses and doctors as needed. This ensures peace of mind when it comes to health-related matters, especially if seniors know they'll have health issues down the line.

These communities have a large buy-in fee that accounts for healthcare needs, and monthly fees for maintenance and other services.

Age Restriction:  55+ or 62+

Health & Mobility Restriction: Must be independent

Payment Requirements: Large upfront entrance fee (“buy-in) + monthly fees

Property Type: Single family homes, townhouses, bungalows, mobile homes, apartments with full kitchens

Services & Amenities: May offer the same as an active adult community but services such as housekeeping, laundry, linen service, meals, activity programming, and scheduled transportation are offered

Aging in Place: Yes. Residents are guaranteed healthcare despite whatever changes they may have in personal and medical care needs for the same monthly fee or at a discounted rate depending on the terms of their Residency & Care contract

When you decide on the type of retirement community you want to live in, Kithward can show you the best communities that suit your needs.