The population is aging, and as seniors make up more and more of the general population, the market for senior housing is growing. The senior demographic transformation happening in North America (and much of the world) is opening new avenues for older adults who are considering their future housing options.

As you head into your senior years, it’s good to think about the options available to you, including housing options that incorporate care and assistance.

Independent Living

Independent living is any housing option in which you maintain your independence and largely do not require care or assistance with daily tasks. Independent living may include age-restricted communities or aging in place with support from elder caregivers.

However, some independent living options are now blending independent and assisted living. A good example would be an All Seniors Care retirement residence that offers senior apartments for independent living, with care and assistance available as needed.

Assisted Living

Assisted living housing options provide help with what’s known as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which are activities such as cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry, and driving/transportation. They may also provide nursing care and medical assistance, depending on the facility.

Greater levels of assistance may include ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living, which include tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring, etc.

Memory Care

Memory care facilities are secure, long-term care facilities that provide care for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. These housing options incorporate therapeutic group activities like music therapy, pet therapy, and other activities that improve mood and mental well-being.



Memory care housing options may use the design that minimizes behaviors like wandering and include additional security.

Age Restricted Communities

Age-restricted communities are limited to people over a certain age, usually 55+ communities for active older adults. They might be senior apartments for rent, condos, townhomes, or bungalow communities.

There is a growing variety of communities like these where you could rent or own, and some specifically appeal to niche lifestyles. One famous example is the Margaritaville-themed retirement community in Daytona Beach.

One of the downsides is that sometimes these types of communities do not take aging in place into consideration, although moving into a senior apartment or condo often means no longer having to worry about lawn care or maintenance.

Aging in Place

Aging in place means getting older in the residence of your choosing. That could mean staying in their family home, in a condo, or in an independent assisted living senior community. To successfully age in place, you need a plan that accounts for the possibility that you may not always be independent.

A successful aging in place plan takes into consideration issues and costs such as:

• The cost of part-time or full-time caregivers;
• Home modifications for accessibility;
• Transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and essentials.

Senior housing options are growing in diversity. Consider your options and discuss contingency plans with your kids. Keep an open mind and create a plan that takes into consideration changes in your health as you approach your older senior years.