Understanding Your Senior Living Options

Last updated on November 24th, 2025 at 01:04 pm

Comparing Senior Living Options at a Glance

Care Type	Who It’s For	Key Benefits	Lifestyle & Amenities	Factors to Consider
Independent Living	Active, healthy seniors	Freedom from home maintenance, social connections	Fitness centers, dining options, clubs & events	No medical care included
Assisted Living	Seniors needing help with daily tasks	Personalized support, meals, medication management	24/7 staff, social activities, transportation	Cost increases with care needs
Memory Care	Individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias	Secure environment, structured routines, specialized staff	Cognitive stimulation programs, safe spaces	Often integrated with assisted living
Skilled Nursing & Rehab	Seniors with complex medical or recovery needs	24/7 licensed care, therapy services	Private/semi-private suites, dining, social programs	More clinical setting
Life Plan Communities	Seniors seeking long-term security	Continuum of care in one community, peace of mind	Independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing	Entrance fees may apply
Active Adult Communities	55+ independent adults	Low-maintenance homes, peer community	Pools, fitness, social clubs	No healthcare included

Independent Living

Independent living communities are ideal for seniors who are active and self-sufficient but prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle. Residences may include apartments, condos or single-family homes, with services that relieve burdens, like home upkeep, yard work or snow removal.

Who It’s For

• Active, healthy seniors seeking freedom from home maintenance
• Individuals who want social engagement and a supportive community

Benefits & Amenities

• Maintenance-free living
• Dining options, fitness centers and recreational programs
• Clubs, outings and social activities that encourage connection

Factors to Consider

• No medical or personal care is typically included
• Ideal for those who can manage daily activities independently

Assisted Living  

This senior living option supports seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, medication management and transportation. Housing options in assisted living communities range from apartments to condos, and communities focus on both physical and emotional well-being. Both older adults and family members alike have peace of mind knowing the community offers support and care.

Who It’s For

• Seniors needing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Individuals who want support while maintaining independence

Benefits & Amenities

• 24/7 caregiving and personalized care plans
• Meal preparation, transportation and housekeeping
• Social activities, outings and wellness programs

Factors to Consider

• Care needs may affect monthly costs
• Choose a community with amenities and activities that match personal interests   

Memory Care 

Memory care communities specialize in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These types of senior living communities offer structured routines, secure environments and programs designed to maintain cognitive function. An added benefit for families is access to respite care, giving loved ones peace of mind and temporary relief while ensuring their family member receives expert support.

Who It’s For

• Individuals with memory-related conditions who require supportive care

Benefits & Amenities

• Secure entrances, alarmed doors and staff trained in memory care
• Specialized programming for cognition and memory retention
• Individualized care plans tailored to resident abilities

Factors to Consider

• Safety, staff expertise, and personalized programming are critical
• Memory care may exist within a larger assisted or independent living community 

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation 

Skilled nursing communities provide 24-hour medical care and supervision for seniors with complex medical needs or requiring rehabilitation after illness or surgery. Skilled nursing care offers personalized medical attention, therapy services and support for daily activities to ensure residents’ safety and well-being.

Who It’s For

• Seniors with chronic conditions, complex medical needs or recovery needs
• Individuals requiring extensive assistance with daily living

Benefits & Amenities

• Licensed nursing care, therapy services and medication management
• Personalized dietary support and wellness programming
• Private or semi-private suites with common areas and social programs

Factors to Consider

• More clinical in nature than other types of senior living options
• Often part of a community offering multiple care levels

Life Plan/Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) 

Life Plan Communities, also called CCRCs, offer a full continuum of care within one community, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. This model allows seniors to age in place with peace of mind, knowing that higher levels of care are available, if needs change.

Who It’s For

• Seniors seeking long-term security and flexibility
• Those who value staying in a familiar community as care needs evolve

Benefits & Amenities

• Access to multiple care levels within the same community
• Maintenance-free independent living, social opportunities and wellness programs
• Peace of mind knowing care needs can be met in one trusted place

Why It’s the Ideal Choice

For seniors in East Lansing, Burcham Hills is the area’s only Life Plan Community offering a full range of senior living options. Residents enjoy a vibrant, independent lifestyle while having access to assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing, if and when it’s needed.

• Comprehensive continuum of care for every stage of aging
• Wellness programs, fitness classes and social activities
• Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and maintenance-free living
• Secure, supportive environment with a strong sense of community

At Burcham Hills, seniors can enjoy the independence they want today, with the confidence that their future care needs will be met. 

Active Adult Communities 

Active adult communities are a popular senior living option for adults aged 55+ seeking a low-maintenance, independent lifestyle. They typically offer amenities like fitness centers, pools and social clubs.

Who It’s For

• Independent 55+ adults who want to live among peers
• Those seeking an active lifestyle without ongoing home maintenance

Benefits & Amenities

• Low-maintenance living with landscaping and exterior upkeep included
• Community amenities like fitness, pools and tennis courts
• Social opportunities and peer engagement

Factors to Consider

• No healthcare or medical support is provided
• Best suited for healthy, independent adults

Choosing the Right Senior Living Option

When exploring senior living options, consider:

• Your current and potential future care needs
• Desired lifestyle, social opportunities and amenities
• Peace of mind, knowing support is available as needs change
• Budget and cost of care in your area

Visiting communities, asking questions, and experiencing day-to-day life firsthand can help you make a confident, informed decision.

If you’re looking for options for a loved one, knowing how to discuss moving to senior living is an important first step to starting the conversation and getting your loved one the care they need.

Discover Peace of Mind at Burcham Hills

Choosing among different senior living options and the right community can feel overwhelming, but understanding your choices helps you find the place that’s right for you.

At Burcham Hills, seniors enjoy more than a residence—they gain a plan for life. With a full continuum of care, vibrant wellness programs, engaging social activities and maintenance-free living, Burcham Hills supports residents every step of the way.

Experience how Burcham Hills can fulfill your lifestyle and care needs. Schedule your visit today.