Orcas Research Group,
December 14, 2007
In order to assist us in examining alternatives to senior living, the following are a few, non-exclusive categories that are widely used in the U.S. They are arranged roughly in increasing order of the number of services provided:
SENIOR RESTRICTED COMMUNITIES - Primarily intended to bring seniors together around common interests, Senior Restricted Communities generally restrict residents to a minimum age and often provide services and activities that are geared to the retired residents. See http://www.seniorresource.com/hasc.htm for Adult Retirement Communities and http://www.seniorresource.com/hsoa.htm for Adult Apartments.
AGING IN PLACE - Aging in Place is not having to move from one’s present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing need. Some 70% of seniors spend the rest of their life in the place where they celebrated their 65th birthday. http://www.naipc.org/
NATURALLY OCCURRING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY - A NORC is a community or neighborhood where residents remain for years, and age as neighbors. An example is at http://www.beaconhillvillage.org/.
ADULT FAMILY HOMES - Shared living accommodations with private rooms and baths, typically with a common living room, parlor, dining room, kitchen, etc. Oriented toward single adults who choose to share living expenses with others and rely on other members of the household for support. Sometimes private residences licensed to provide care for a few individuals. http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications/22-707.pdf
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES - A CCRC, or life care community, is a long-term care alternative providing a package of services, including housing, health care and social services, to the elderly. http://www.seniorresource.com/hccrc.htm
SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING - Provide a full spectrum of services including meals, personal care, assistance with medication, cleaning, laundry, shopping, etc. Services are often priced above basic residency fees and are optional. http://www.senior-assisted-living.net/
NURSING HOMES - Provide 24-hour supervised nursing care, personal care, nutrition, and physical therapies in addition to room, board, laundry and various social services and organized activities. http://www.nursinghomesmagazine.com/
HOSPICE FACILITIES - Provide 24/7/365 care, typically for
terminal patients or for chronically ill patients that need extensive care.
http://www.hospicepatients.org/hospic9.html