by Arlene Hauben

Created on: May 31, 2010

There are many residential options for senior citizens in the U.S.  In Florida, where 23% of the population is aged 60 and older, the state offers a wide range of senior living options to meet both frailty levels and needed level of care. It serves as a model for other states.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs “serves as the primary state agency responsible for administering human services programs for the elderly . . .” some of which include senior living options (Department of Elder Affairs, 2002 Resource Manual). The majority of senior living options are offered through for-profit and non-profit companies across the state." Most studies find no significant differences between the two providers of care.

In the private sector, there are thousands of retirement communities designated for the "55+" population.  These housing developments, usually private and gated, range from basic to luxurious and generally feature apartments, villas, patio homes, and single-family dwellings. Leisure amenities are high on the list, including tennis courts and swimming pools, clubhouses with theaters, and plenty of card rooms.

For seniors that need assistance with daily living activities, here are the primary living option categories with a brief description of the kind of care they offer (www.seniorpro.com):

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) encourage independent living as long as possible by providing 24-hour care for individuals who need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, assistance with medications, and housekeeping without the need for more intense care provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Alzheimer's & dementia facilities or facilities with secured dementia units provide specialized care, services, and activities for individuals suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementia disorders.

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), commonly known as nursing homes, provide 24-hour medical services along with therapeutic and rehabilitative services on a short-term or long-term basis. SNFs provide care for those who need more than mere assistance with daily activities but do not need intensive acute hospital care.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) provide individuals with several care options on one campus ranging from independent residential communities to assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

Independent residential communities offer independent living arrangements, either condominiums or apartments, for

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