Retirement Communities v. Assisted Living/Nursing Homes
It is not uncommon for people to misunderstand the differences between a retirement community and an assisted living community or nursing home. Here are the major differences between them:
Retirement Communities
Age Restriction: Minimum age of 55 or 62
Health & Mobility Restriction: Must be able to live independently with little to no assistance
Property Type: Ownership with monthly fees or rental
Size of Residence: Studio apartments to large 2+ bedrooms with den in detached home, with full kitchens
Services & Amenities: Geared to an active leisure lifestyle such as pool, tennis courts, golf course
Additional Assistance: None provided by the community. Residents may hire a service on their own
Allows Aging in Place: In most cases, no. However, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) allow aging in place
Assisted Living/Memory Care/Nursing Homes
Age Restriction: No age minimum
Health & Mobility Restriction: Cannot live independently
Property Type: Rental only with monthly fees depending on level of assistance
Size of Residence: Private room, private suites, shared suites, studios to 2-bedroom apartments with kitchenette
Amenities: Focused on more residential/interior facilities such as library, movie theater, living rooms
Additional Assistance: Care is provided by the community
Allows Aging in Place: Many assisted living facilities allow for aging in place if they have skilled nursing within their community or if they are able to provide/coordinate hospice services