SENIOR HOUSING
Types of Senior Housing
Today in the Puget Sound area, there are literally thousands of choices for senior living. While our Senior Housing Placement experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have, here's a brief overview of the five types of communities that are available.
Retirement Communities 
Also known as Active Retirement Communities, these senior communities generally offer studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities generally offer studios and one-bedroom apartments with or without kitchenettes, as three meals per day are provided
Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
Also known as Memory Care, these living communities specialize in caring for residents who have dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Adult Family Homes
Adult Family Homes are private residential homes that are licensed to provide care for up to six residents in private or semi-private rooms.
Skilled Nursing Homes
Skilled Nursing Homes are typically licensed by Medicare and (in many cases) Medicaid to provide short-term acute care and long-term care to residents requiring skilled nursing services.
Independent Living Communities
Also known as Active Retirement Communities, these senior communities generally offer studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. Services and amenities generally include up to three meals per day in a restaurant-style dining room, weekly housekeeping, access to washers and dryers, maintenance services, and emergency pull cords. Activities and programs generally include social gatherings, lectures and classes, exercise classes, organized outings, scheduled transportation for shopping, and transportation to medical appointments. Most independent living communities have age restrictions of either 55+ or 62+ years of age. If personal care services are needed, residents must contract with an outside home care or nursing agency.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities generally offer studios and one-bedroom apartments with or without kitchenettes, as three meals per day are provided in a restaurant-style dining room. Services and amenities generally include weekly housekeeping, access to washers and dryers, maintenance services, and emergency pull cords. Activities and programs generally include social gatherings, lectures and classes, exercise classes, organized outings, scheduled transportation for shopping, and transportation to medical appointments. Assisted living services include personal assistance with the following activities of daily living: dressing, bathing, toileting, transfers, and medications management. A licensed nurse is present in the building at least 40 hours per week, and caregivers are staffed 24 hours a day.
Adult Family Homes
Adult Family Homes are private residential homes that are licensed to provide care for up to six residents in private or semi-private rooms. These homes are often owned and operated by licensed nurses who have previously worked in alternate care settings. Staffing varies depending upon the care needs of current residents, but may include 24-hour awake care for those residents who are frequently up during the night. Three meals a day, snacks and activities are provided according to the specific needs and preferences of residents. A high level of supervision is available to ensure residents' safety and assistance with activities of daily living.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Communities
Also known as Memory Care, these living communities specialize in caring for residents who have dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Memory care provides a secure environment in which exterior doors are monitored to prevent wandering. Outside, there are often fenced gardens and walking paths. Private and semi-private rooms are available, and residents receive assistance with all activities of daily living including: dressing, bathing, toileting, transfers and medication management. A licensed nurse is present in the building at least 40 hours per week and caregivers are staffed 24 hours per day.
Skilled Nursing Homes
Skilled Nursing Homes are typically licensed by Medicare and (in many cases) Medicaid to provide short-term acute care and long-term care to residents requiring skilled nursing services. Licensed nurses are staffed 24 hours per day, and services typically include inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, and catheter and colostomy care. Skilled nursing home services include personal assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, transfers, and medications management.
