Continuing care retirement communities are growing in popularity among seniors who want to prepare for the future. By definition, a continuing care retirement community is one that provides a spectrum of care in one location – from independent living and assisted living options to skilled nursing and memory care.

A senior might move to a continuing care community when he or she is still able to live independently. This independent living resident might never need an additional level of care, but he or she will have peace of mind in knowing added services are always available.

If additional services are required, continuing care community residents can easily move within the same community to receive a different level of care. With a wide range of senior living options in one location, continuing care residents remain part of a single community,often among longtime friends, as they age and require additional levels of care.

Generally, continuing care retirement communities offer the following levels of care:

• Independent living
• Assisted living
• Skilled nursing care

Some communities may also offer addition levels of care, such as rehabilitation services and memory care or dementia care services.
To locate continuing care retirement communities near you, go to the Local Information and Referral section of this website.


For a list of government-subsidized, low-rent housing options in your area, go to the HUD Apartment Finder.