If you’re looking at your senior living options, you know there is a lot to choose from. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most common terms used in the senior living sector, their meaning, and who they would best serve.

The Active, Independent Senior

Both seniors’ apartments and independent living are ideal for seniors who are looking to do more in their lives and not get bogged down by daily chores, such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and home maintenance. Here, seniors can enjoy the company of like-minded peers and a variety of recreational options that include live entertainment, guest speakers, spiritual programs, art programs, sports, games, outings, and more. Delicious meals, prepared by professional chefs, are served in the dining room. Each meal has two entrée options, and an à la carte menu is available as well.

Seniors’ Apartments

Designed for independent seniors, seniors’ apartments allow you to choose from optional housekeeping and meal packages while giving you full access to the adjoining residence’s amenities, programs, and leisure activities. Want to learn more? Download our Easy Guide to Retirement Living.

Independent Living

Designed for independent seniors, Independent living packages usually include 3 meals per day and housekeeping. Residents are able to enjoy all of the amenities and leisure programming available. Want to learn more? Download our Easy Guide to Retirement Living.

Find Comfort in Support

If you’re looking for a bit of support to help you continue to enjoy your independence, these options are what you’re looking for. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is only a call away. You’ll also enjoy the benefits associated with independent living — delicious meals, innovative entertainment and recreational programs, and the comfort of being surrounded by a warm community of like-minded peers.

Independent Living with assistance

Designed for mostly independent seniors, residents can enjoy all of the amenities and leisure programming available. Packages usually include 3 meals per day, housekeeping, and access to an array of à la carte care services. All care is delivered in the privacy of the resident’s suite. Want to learn more? Read more about Assisted Living

Assisted Living

Designed for seniors who require some, or a lot, of assistance; assisted living provides a safe space for residents to continue to enjoy their life with as much independence as possible. Residents enjoy all of the amenities and programming available at the residence, often including specialized programming. Packages usually include 3 meals per day, housekeeping, and care services, as outlined by your individual care plan. All care is delivered in the privacy of the resident’s suite. Want to learn more? Read more about Assisted Living

Memory Care

Designed for seniors who are experiencing cognitive decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, memory care provides a safe space for residents to continue to enjoy their life with as much independence as possible. There should be a full calendar of specialized programming available. Packages usually include 3 meals per day, housekeeping, and care services, as outlined by your individual care plan. All care should be delivered in the privacy of the resident’s suite. Learn more about memory care here.

A Short Reprieve

If you’re looking for something temporary, the below options may be for your. Respite stays and care are usually in fully-furnished suites, so you don’t have to worry about moving your things for a short stay. They can be used by seniors looking to take a break for the season, whether that is somewhere safe for the winter or somewhere in a new city for the summer; by seniors who wish to trial retirement living; and by those who are recovering from an illness or injury. The care and assistance available in respite can make recovery faster, allowing residents to enjoy social interaction and delicious meals without having to worry about their daily chores.

Respite Stays

Designed for seniors who require a short reprieve from their daily life. Respite stays can be used at all service levels, and is typically a stay at a retirement residence for less than six months. Residents on a respite stay should receive all of the benefits the residence provides to long-term residents. Want more information? Download our Respite Stays Guide!

Respite Care

Similar to respite stays, respite care is a short-term stay at a retirement residence or long-term care community for less than 6 months. Respite care is used by people who are recovering from surgery or a recent illness and need short-term care. Residents in respite care should receive all of the benefits the residence provides to long-term residents. Want more information? Download our Respite Stays Guide!

Options Outside of Retirement

Looking for something else? If you find that you need extensive care, or just somewhere to go during the day, these options may have what you need.

Long-Term Care

Designed for frail seniors who require 24/7 care. Long-term care provides a safe space for residents, giving them the support they need. Residents receive three meals a day, all housekeeping, and access to specialized programming and activities. You can view the Sienna Senior Living Services and Amenities page for more information about long-term care.

Seniors’ Daycare

Designed for seniors who need some support and connection during the day. Some Daycares may pick seniors up and drop them off at their home. At the daycare, seniors receive meals, assistance, and quality time with their peers doing specially planned activities.

We hope this list helped you understand what options are available for you and which would work best for you. If you have questions, please drop us a line in the comments or call our Canada-based team toll-free at 1-866-959-4848. We know they would be happy to help you in anyway they can.

Want more information? Download our Easy Guide to Retirement Living today!