As you think about what the next chapter of life might look like, you may wonder about the different living and care options available and how they really compare. The types of senior living available may seem confusing, and some of them are very different—and more exciting—than you might expect.
Understanding the difference between modern senior living communities and nursing homes can help you find possibilities for comfort, connection, and independence that fit who you are now and who you’re becoming. In fact, today’s senior living communities are engaging places filled with opportunities to learn and grow—a far cry from the outdated stereotypes many people still imagine.
Let’s clear something up once and for all: Senior living communities aren’t nursing homes—not even close. For many, the term “nursing home” brings to mind a hospital-like setting. Those spaces serve an important purpose for people who need specialized medical support, but that’s a completely different experience from today’s senior living communities.
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing care) “provide physical rehab services and care for more complex medical needs, like IVs, wound care, feeding tubes, and mechanical lifts for transferring patients,” explains Cassidy Johnson, manager of clinical operations at Cedarhurst Senior Living. “Also, very few skilled nursing facilities provide memory care support.”
Skilled nursing has been around for a very long time and has settled into public consciousness and pop culture, but the modern idea of a senior living community is relatively new. This is why many people incorrectly use “nursing home” as an umbrella term to describe any location where older adults live and receive care.
“One of the things it comes down to is whether you need a hands-on nurse all the time [in skilled nursing], or whether you just need a nurse available to consult [in a senior living community],” Johnson said.
A senior living community is a thoughtfully designed environment that blends comfort, convenience, and care in ways that empower you to live life to the fullest. These communities provide the right amount of support when you need it and complete independence when you don’t.
“In senior living, support and care are more focused on activities of daily living. Staff at senior living communities help with things like bathing, assistance with eating, and escorting residents to and from activities,” Molly Rinderer, director of clinical operations at Cedarhurst, said.
Senior living communities are designed to support every aspect of your well-being: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and more. In fact, if you’re looking for independent living or assisted living options, you may not need or want any help at all. You may simply enjoy the convenience of living in an environment tailored to provide you with opportunities for social connection and amenities to enjoy.
“Senior living is more resident-oriented and focused on helping you maintain as much independence as possible,” Johnson said. “In skilled nursing, the staff are hands-on and moving quickly. In senior living, the staff encourages the resident to perform as much of the task as independently as they can. It’s all about helping residents stay independent.”
Choosing the right care option is a deeply personal process that reflects how much support you need, how you want to live each day, and what provides you with comfort and peace of mind. The keys are to consult your care providers and relevant family members and to research and explore options before a health crisis or immediate need arises.
If you have complex medical needs, skilled nursing care may be the right choice. Senior living communities don’t provide skilled nursing. Instead, this type of care happens in a clinic or healthcare facility designed for people who require continuous medical attention or rehabilitation after an illness, surgery, or hospital stay.
“Assisted living can provide medication management services,” Rinderer said. “But if you have an advanced medical or medication need, like injections or IV fluid, you may need skilled nursing.”
If you’re an active, independent older adult who wants to make the most of this next chapter, then independent living may be your best fit. This type of senior living is designed for people who want an environment filled with social opportunities and amenities that enhance their well-being while leaving behind chores such as yardwork, cooking, and housekeeping.
Independent living typically includes:
If you enjoy your independence but appreciate extra help with daily routines and medication support, assisted living could be the perfect balance. You’ll still live life your way with the comfort of knowing that team members are available to help when you need it.
To make your day-to-day life easier and more fulfilling and to adapt as your needs evolve, assisted living provides:
For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, MEMORY Care provides specialized care in a caring, structured, and secure setting. The focus is on preserving dignity and nurturing joy, with every aspect—from building design to daily routines—created to enhance comfort and prevent confusion.
Memory care includes:
Today’s senior living communities provide benefits that may be difficult to experience when you live alone. They’re designed to help you live life your way with convenience and opportunities that make your days more fulfilling.
Each aspect of senior living—such as walking paths, fitness studios, wellness programs, and nutrition-focused dining programs that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients—is designed to help you thrive.
With modern kitchens, spacious bathrooms, and inviting living areas, these maintenance-free living options free you from chores and homeownership responsibilities so you have time to focus on what you care about most.
Imagine starting your morning with a cup of coffee at the in-house cafe, joining an art or gardening workshop in the afternoon, or attending a book club in the evening. Communities feature on-site theaters, libraries, craft spaces, and more—plus, transportation is included when you want to explore nearby attractions, attend appointments, and enjoy an off-site event with friends.
Social connection is at the heart of senior living. Sharing a meal with friends, joining a hobby group, or volunteering for a community project helps residents form meaningful relationships that support mental and emotional well-being.
Flexible care options evolve along with you. Depending on the type of senior living you choose—independent living, assisted living, or memory support—you’ll have access to trained team members and wellness professionals. The goal is to empower your independence, never to limit it.
Choosing senior living is about embracing an environment that supports your freedom and well-being. When you look for a senior living community, ask yourself:
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a senior living community might be the best next step for you.
Whether you’re drawn to the social opportunities and freedom of a low-maintenance life with independent living, the reassurance of personalized support in assisted living, or the specialized medical care provided by a nursing home, there’s an option tailored just for you. Explore our guide, Understanding Senior Living Lifestyle Options, and discover the path that fits your goals and passions.
Originally published December 2022. Revised October 2025.
Molly Rinderer is Cedarhurst Senior Living’s Director of Clinical Operations. With more than 10 years of experience in the senior living industry, Molly oversees Cedarhurst’s Regional Nursing Team and provides support to standardize the operations of clinical teams.
Cassidy Johnson is Manager of Clinical Operations at Cedarhurst Senior Living. In her role, Cassidy works with families directly to improve resident satisfaction in Cedarhurst communities and supports regional nursing teams with care and compliance needs.