Making sense of senior living options

In a nutshell: Retirement communities are best for seniors who are still healthy, active, and independent.  It's a way to downsize from a private home, live in a place surrounded by like-minded peers and have a full range of organized activities.

Typically homes feature accessible, one-floor layouts. They may be apartments or townhouses. Many communities have clubhouses, transportation to local cultural events, tennis courts and other shared facilities.

The pros: These adults-only communities are usually restricted to adults over 55. That means you don’t have to worry about any Millennials throwing loud parties, or toddlers throwing fits at the swimming pool.

The cons: The same as the pros, depending on your perspective. There are no young families around, and some people may miss that energy. Also, long-term-care insurance won’t cover it, so it may cost more out-of-pocket.

These residences offer a wide range of services, from community dining and housekeeping to assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting.

Accommodations can range from a shared dorm-style room to a full apartment with a kitchenette. There are aides working 24-7. Things like physical therapy appointments and visits from chiropodists and physicians often happen on-site.

The pros: Because of the range of services, assisted living can work for any senior who needs extra help. That could be anything from help taking meds to full-time companion care.

The cons: Rent and fees can run into thousands of dollars a month. That makes assisted living mainly an option for those who have long-term-care insurance or sufficient funds saved up to cover the costs.

In a nutshell: Usually located within a larger assisted living facility, these units feature specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia who require more supervised care than those in standard assisted living.

The pros: Memory care units are staffed by aides specifically trained in dementia care. They offer activities and therapy that stimulate memory. Secured entrances and exits protect patients in danger of wandering.

The cons: The level of attentive care required to care for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia can lead to long waiting lists. And some memory care units recommend that Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s patients move in while they are still in the earlier stages of the disease. That gives them time to acclimate to the setting, which can be disconcerting for some.

In a nutshell: Whether a stand-alone facility or within a larger community, nursing homes provide skilled nursing care for those who need it. Though doctors supervise, nursing assistants provides most day-to-day care.

The pros: Things like speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy can all be provided on-site. That makes it ideal for patients with health issues such as broken bones, diabetes or heart disease, who are bedbound, or otherwise require 24-hour nursing care.

The cons: Because the residents may not be as active and healthy as those at other facilities, the social life and available activities may not be as stimulating for some seniors.

In a nutshell: These facilities include the entire range of all (or most) of the above options on one campus. That allows residents both convenience and options. They won't need to move again as their needs progress.

The pros: Continuing-care is a great option for people who crave independence, but want to put down roots in a community where they can stay as they age. It's also an excellent option for a couple with two different sets of needs. One person has dementia and needs full-time care? She can stay in the memory care unit while her partner stays in an independent apartment and visits every day.

The cons: Very large buy-in costs can range from $100,000 up to $1 million. Plus there are additional monthly fees, which can be up to another $5,000. Read the contract very carefully to see what happens to that buy-in fee if they pass away or decide to move.