As older adults begin thinking about the future, understanding the different types of senior living options is an important first step. Whether you’re planning ahead or need immediate support, knowing the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and other housing options can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Here’s a breakdown of what each option typically includes—and what to consider as you explore what’s best for your lifestyle, health, and budget.
Independent living communities are designed for older adults who are generally healthy, self-sufficient, and looking to enjoy a social, maintenance-free lifestyle.
Residents typically live in condos, apartments, or small homes and want to simplify their daily responsibilities—while remaining part of an active community.
Common amenities may include (sometimes at an extra cost):
Housekeeping and maintenance
Community activities and events
Full kitchens
24-hour emergency response systems
Scheduled transportation
Some communities also offer on-site home health services for an added fee. If you’re unsure whether independent living is the right fit, our Long-Term Care Options page to help you explore your options.
Low-income seniors may qualify for more affordable independent living through government-subsidized apartments or communities. These may be simpler in design but still offer access to basic shared amenities.
Eligibility criteria typically include:
Age 62+
Income less than 50% of your area’s median
Rent capped at about 30% of your adjusted monthly income
Our Resource Connections and Referrals team can help you understand subsidized housing programs and eligibility in your area. Give us a call today at (800) 852-7795.
Assisted living is ideal for individuals who want to remain as independent as possible but need some help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, medication, or housekeeping.
These communities often offer a mix of private and semi-private rooms or studio apartments.
Services may include:
Housekeeping and laundry
Meal plans or dining rooms
Transportation and coordinated outings
Health assessments and 24/7 emergency care
Social and recreational programming
Medication management and supervision
Important Note: In Michigan, assisted living facilities are not always licensed.
Licensed communities fall under either adult foster homes or homes for the aged depending on the type and level of care provided.
These are small, supervised homes that typically house six residents or fewer. They provide 24/7 support for older adults or individuals with special needs, including help with daily activities like meals, hygiene, and transportation.
While they offer personal care, residents may need to transition to a skilled nursing facility if their medical needs increase.
Larger than adult foster homes, these communities care for 21 or more unrelated people, typically aged 60 and older.
They provide:
Supervised personal care (not 24/7)
Meals and housekeeping
Social activities
Transportation
Some homes for the aged may be connected to skilled nursing facilities for higher levels of care.
Memory care communities provide 24/7, specialized support for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. These secure units offer structured routines and activities tailored to cognitive wellness.
Typical features include:
Private or semi-private rooms
Supervision and personal care
Medication management
Cognitive and physical therapies
Social and exercise programming
Meals, housekeeping, and laundry
These communities offer multiple levels of care—independent living, assisted living, memory care, and even skilled nursing—all in one location.
CCRCs allow seniors to age in place, meaning they can stay within the same community even as their needs change, often among familiar neighbors and friends.
This option is ideal for those planning long-term and wanting continuity of care.
CCRCs — also called Life Plan Communities — offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing all on one campus, allowing seniors to age in place without moving to a new facility as their needs change.
This option might be ideal for those planning for their long-term care and prefer staying in one community.
Contract Types to Know:
Nursing homes provide around-the-clock medical care and personal support for those with significant health needs. They also offer rehabilitation services like physical, occupational, or speech therapy—especially for those recovering from hospital stays.
Nursing homes must be state-licensed and are regularly inspected to ensure quality of care.
Choosing a senior living community can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to these trusted resources:
Get personalized support:
📞 AgeWays Information & Assistance Line: (800) 852-7795– Help finding housing, understanding eligibility, and navigating your options
Affordable housing resources:
🏠 Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA): (313) 456-3540
🏠 Community Housing Network (Macomb, Oakland, Wayne): (586) 221-5900
🏠 Macomb County Office of Senior Services: (586) 469-5228
🏠 St. Clair Shores Housing Commission: (586) 773-9200
🏠 Warren Senior Housing: (586) 758-1310
🏠 Ann Arbor Housing Commission: (734) 794-6720
🏠 Housing Bureau for Seniors (Washtenaw County): (734) 998-9339
Advocacy & Oversight:
👥 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Supports residents of licensed senior care facilities
Independent living is designed for older adults who are largely self-sufficient and are looking for a vibrant, low-maintenance lifestyle. Communities like these typically offer services such as housekeeping, maintenance, recreational activities, transportation, and emergency call systems. Some of these services may be offered a la carte, at an additional fee. Assisted living, on the other hand, is a great fit for seniors who want to maintain as much independence as possible while receiving help with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, managing medications, or housekeeping. Common services include meals, transportation, health assessments, and emergency assistance.
The key difference is that independent living is designed for older adults who can live on their own but want fewer household responsibilities, while assisted living provides additional support with daily activities while helping residents maintain as much independence as possible.
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers multiple levels of care all in one location—making it easy to move to the next level of care when needs and abilities change:
Not all senior living communities in Michigan are licensed by the state. Licensed communities must meet specific standards for staffing, safety, and care. Unlicensed communities are not held to the same requirements, so the level of support can vary widely. When touring any community, it is recommended to ask whether it is state-licensed and what care services are included. You can also look up facility licenses through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
CCRCs allow seniors to age in place — staying within the same community even as their care needs change, often among familiar neighbors and friends. This can make them a good option for individuals who want to plan ahead and maintain continuity of care as their needs change.
For help exploring senior care options in Michigan, call AgeWays at (800) 852-7795.
For older adults on a fixed or limited income, there are affordable independent living options available through government-sponsored senior apartments and housing communities. While these communities may not offer the same amenities as private facilities, they do provide safe, comfortable homes and the essentials that matter most.
Eligibility generally includes the following:
In some subsidized housing programs, residents may pay as little as 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent . Some senior apartment buildings also offer below-market-rate units, making them a more affordable option for older adults on a fixed income. Keep in mind that there are often waits for subsidized housing programs.
