Senior living is a term widely used to describe any community populated by exclusively by seniors. This is an admittedly broad definition which ranges from an independent living community where no care is provided, to an assisted living community (nursing homes are generally not referred to as senior living).

So is there any way to further narrow down the definition of a senior living community? From a licensing standpoint, “senior living” is not a phrase used by state or federal licensing bodies, meaning that there is no guideline there.

By and large, the phrase seems more popular with independent living communities and continuing care retirement communities than with assisted living. However, there are many instances where a community providing assisted living-type care is referred to as a senior living community.

Basically it boils down to the fact that a “senior living community ,” is a place where all the residents are over a requisite age (e.g., 62). This community may provide care, but most likely will be an independent living community or senior apartment complex. The takeaway is that you cannot make a judgment on the type of care (if any) provided at a community simply because it is called a senior living community. It is important to ensure that a community meets your various care needs when compiling a list of options during a search.


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Snapforseniors.com is a great place to learn more about senior living, as well as perform a free search for a community in your area.