Senior Care Terminology Explained
The language around senior care can be confusing, with terms often used interchangeably even when they mean different things. Here's a clear guide to the most common terms.
Assisted Living
Also called: Residential care facility, personal care home, board and care
What it is: Housing with personal care services for seniors who need help with daily activities but not medical care.
Provides: Meals, housekeeping, medication management, help with bathing/dressing, social activities.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Also called: Nursing home, convalescent home, long-term care facility
What it is: Medical facility with 24-hour nursing care.
Provides: Round-the-clock nursing, rehabilitation therapy, medical treatments, complete personal care.
Memory Care
Also called: Dementia care, Alzheimer's care, secured unit
What it is: Specialized assisted living for people with dementia, featuring security measures and trained staff.
Provides: Secured environment, dementia-trained caregivers, structured activities, wandering prevention.
Adult Family Home
Also called: Adult foster care, residential care home, board and care home
What it is: Private home licensed to care for 2–8 residents.
Provides: Personal care in a home-like setting with high staff-to-resident ratios.
Independent Living
Also called: Retirement community, senior apartments, 55+ community
What it is: Housing for active seniors without care services.
Provides: Maintenance-free living, social activities, some meals, no personal care.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Also called: Life plan community, life care community
What it is: Campus offering multiple levels of care (independent, assisted, skilled nursing).
Provides: Ability to age in place, transitioning between care levels as needed.
Home Health
Also called: Home healthcare, visiting nurse
What it is: Licensed medical professionals providing care at home.
Provides: Skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, wound care—intermittent, not 24/7.
Home Care / In-Home Care
Also called: Companion care, personal care, non-medical home care
What it is: Non-medical caregivers assisting at home.
Provides: Help with daily activities, companionship, light housekeeping, meal prep.
Quick Reference Table
| Term | Medical Care | Personal Care | Housing | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | No | No | Yes | Community |
| Assisted Living | Limited | Yes | Yes | Community |
| Memory Care | Limited | Yes | Yes | Secured |
| Skilled Nursing | Yes (24/7) | Yes | Yes | Facility |
| Adult Family Home | Limited | Yes | Yes | Home |
| Home Health | Yes (visits) | Limited | No | Your home |
| Home Care | No | Yes | No | Your home |