Enhanced Assisted Living Residences offer the same amenities as assisted living residences, with additional care and services that support a resident’s desire to remain where they are, or to age in place. Sometimes, a resident can stay in enhanced living and avoid costly nursing home care entirely – depending on the type of care needed and the care offered by the facility. Care includes assistance that is not typically provided in a traditional assisted living setting, such as help with walking, transferring, eating, intense incontinence care, injectable medications, wound care, and other skilled nursing services. Each enhanced living community may offer assistance with different types of care. It is important to call ahead to ask if the facility can offer the type of care needed.

These communities are licensed by the NYS Department of Health as Special Needs Assisted Living Residences, and provide specialized care for those with memory impairments and other cognitive disorders who need specialized care and services. These may include support for wandering and wayfinding. *Note: Care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is also provided at the Nursing Home level of care, for those with more intense care needs.

A community can be fully or partially licensed by NYS to provide an Assisted Living Program (ALP). Different from other licensed assisted living, Assisted Living Programs may accept Medicaid for payment of care and services. Assisted Living Programs offer more skilled services and care than traditional assisted living communities. Care may include help with walking, transferring, eating, intense incontinence care, injectable medications, wound care, and other skilled nursing services.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are retirement communities for older adults that offer multiple levels of care, often on one campus, and are regulated by the NYS Department of Health and NYS Department of Financial Services. Levels of care can include independent living, apartments, cottages (all of which may/may not offer supportive services and other amenities), assisted living, nursing home care, home care, social activities, health/wellness services, and more. What distinguished a CCRC from other types of housing is a substantial entrance fee, which can vary depending on the type of contract a resident chooses. This entrance fee helps to pay for the resident’s expected health or long-term care expenses.

Housing for adults who cannot or do not want to live on their own. Instead, they live in a private home or apartment with up to four people, unrelated to the owner of the home. Supportive services include meals, medication management, personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), social support to take part in the home or local community, supervision, housekeeping and laundry. Home may provide care/support to individuals with low income or may only accept private pay. Family Type Homes are certified by the Office of Children and Family Services in New York State.

Housing Advisors are professionals knowledgeable about senior housing options. Advisors help consumers understand choices available, can screen or suggest assessment services to help identify the correct level of care needed, and can help navigate options based upon a consumer’s preferences and financial situation. Some provide service at no-cost to a consumer, while others may charge on a fee-for-service basis. Professional credentials may vary.

Patio Homes/Townhouses/Apartments for older adults. Some have services such as congregate dining, housekeeping, recreational programs and transportation. Additional service fees might apply.

Subsidized/affordable housing uses financial resources (for example, Section 8) to supplement rental costs for residents. Limited services are sometimes available, such as on-site case management or recreational programming. Eligibility is based on income and asset limitations. Applications are required and waiting lists are common.