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Senior Resources » Senior Housing

Senior Housing Options: Finding the Perfect Home for Retirement

senior couple outside of house

Congratulations on planning for retirement or already taking the leap! Whether you’re adjusting to a fixed income, celebrating the arrival of a grandchild, or simply seeking a more carefree lifestyle, there are many exciting possibilities ahead. And, as you age, your housing needs might be one of the many changes you’ll be faced with. That’s why it’s important to explore different senior housing options to find the one that suits your lifestyle and budget.

With a wide range of options available, finding the right senior housing can be a fun and even rewarding experience. Perhaps you’re seeking a vibrant independent living community, complete with social activities and worry-free maintenance. Or maybe you require specialized care in an assisted living facility. Whatever your needs, there is a senior housing option out there that can offer you the comfort, safety, and community support you need to thrive in your golden years.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of all of your senior housing options available!

What to Consider When Choosing Senior Housing

thinking man

When considering your senior housing options, there are several factors to keep in mind, including:

  • Location – Do you want to live close to family and friends? Or do you prefer a location with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities? Consider what’s important to you in terms of location.
  • Cost – Some senior housing can be costly, so it’s important to consider your budget and what amenities and services are included in the cost.
  • Level of care needed – If you have specific health needs or require assistance with daily tasks, make sure the senior housing option you choose can accommodate those needs.
  • Amenities and services – Consider what amenities and services are important to you, such as transportation services, meal plans, recreational activities, and social events.
  • Community and social aspect – Do you want to live in a close-knit community with organized social events? Or do you prefer more privacy and independence? Think about what type of community would make you most comfortable.

Most Common Senior Housing Options

hands presenting senior housing

SeniorResource.com has extensively researched all your senior housing options, simply so you don’t have to! Here, you can find answers to all your housing questions, including links to our numerous senior living directories so you can find the best home for your retirement lifestyle and needs!

Assisted Living

assisted living senior housing option

Assisted living facilities are a senior housing option for older adults who live active lifestyles but may need medical and/or personal care help. Living space varies from apartments to individual rooms or units, with most common areas being shared. Though locations differ, standard services available at an assisted living facility include care coordination, medication administration and management, and assistance with housekeeping, personal care, and mobility. Many facilities offer additional amenities such as private dining areas and salon services. Assisted living care staff usually includes medical attendants, personal care assistants, food service staff, and certified nurse assistants.

Senior Housing Directory: Find assisted living near me.

Senior Cohousing

cohousing senior housing option

Cohousing is a private community where residents live in close proximity to one another and share communal spaces. Also known as “intentional neighborhoods,” this type of senior housing provides seniors with a tight-knit community of like-minded families and individuals, with whom they can socialize and share duties. Cohousing usually features a common house for activities like cooking and dining. Laundry might be a shared responsibility among residents, as well as gardening and maintenance. Safety, socialization, and support are the superior characteristics of such communities.

Senior Housing Directory: Find cohousing near me.

Manufactured, Mobile & Modular Homes

manufactured housing senior housing option

A prefabricated home is built off-site, in a factory, and then transported to its permanent location. The cost of constructing factory-built homes is far less than traditional, on-site building, causing the purchase or rental of such properties to be more economical for the consumer. 55+ mobile or modular home communities exist as a reasonably cheaper alternative to typical retirement communities. Many even offer amenities such as clubhouses or swimming pools for active lifestyles.

Senior Apartments

senior apartments with pool senior housing option

Senior apartments are constructed, maintained, and updated to be accommodating and practical for aging adults. Handrails and other safety hardware are common features in this type of senior housing, as well as handicap-accessible units and bathrooms equipped with shower chairs. Senior apartment rental is usually priced lower than traditional and is often age-restricted to the 55+ community. Some complexes offer more amenities than others, including transportation or laundry services. Groundskeeping and maintenance are performed by apartment staff.

Senior Housing Directory: Find senior apartments near me.

Shared Housing

senior friends, shared housing, senior housing option

Shared housing is when two or more people share a living space for mutual benefit. Housemates usually agree on terms involving split rent and/or help with home maintenance, though each arrangement is unique. Many shared housing programs aim to match seniors with younger housemates, who, in exchange for cost-free housing, can serve as a companion, help cook and clean, or even do grocery shopping and other errands. 

Senior Housing Directory: Find shared housing near me.

Nursing Homes

nursing home senior housing option

A nursing home is a living option for seniors who need a higher level of care or medical attention than assisted living provides. Nursing homes are equipped with direct care nursing staff, available 24-7. Also employed are administrators and support staff, such as food workers, custodians, and social workers. Common nursing home amenities include beauty salons, common rooms, art classes, and laundry services, though every location is different.

Senior Housing Directory: Find nursing homes near me.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

snf senior housing

A skilled nursing facility is a residential establishment for short-term medically necessary services, rehab, or therapies, such as physical, occupational, or speech. Residents receive 24-hour care from skilled nursing professionals like RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and PTs. The skilled nursing staff is able to provide services such as (but not limited to) wound care, catheter care, or therapy, with the objective of residents eventually being discharged. Medicare may be a partial payment option for such stays.

It is important to note that “skilled nursing facilities” and “nursing homes” are not interchangeable. The greatest difference between the two is the duration of stay. Nursing homes are long-term, whereas skilled nursing facilities are short-term.

Senior Housing Directory: Find skilled nursing facilities near me.

Senior Housing and Retirement Communities

senior friends in a retirement community, senior housing option

Retirement communities offer 55+ adults who are retired or partially retired the option to live independently amongst neighbors with similarly active and social lifestyles. Most retirement communities offer groundskeeping and maintenance services, as well as clubhouses, community activities, and excursions. Other amenities may include gated security, swimming pools, and fitness centers, though each community is different. Retirement communities offer an economic alternative to traditional housing, as residences are usually inexpensive, and a monthly fee may cover costs associated with amenities and maintenance.

Senior Housing Directory: Find retirement communities near me.

Read More About Senior Housing & Retirement Living

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