Important Terms

Environments for Aging include several different types of facilities. Listed below are terms for some of the most common types of facilities that provide long-term care for the elderly.

Independent living retirement apartments (ILUs) are dwellings that may or may not offer on-site access to health care, but generally provide extra services and recreational activities.  Rent subsidization is available in some communities through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Assisted Living or Residential Care (AL) provides housing, meals, and assistance or supervision of daily living activities.  The residents live in a room or apartment, but can have nursing supervision for such things as medication, ambulation or dressing. A large variety of social activities are also available. 

Nursing Home (NH) provides various levels of care for people who can no longer live independently because of physical or mental debilitation, emotional trauma, or chronic illness.  Intermediate care and/or Skilled Nursing care is provided in a nursing home.

Intermediate care provides a greater level of care than what is available in a residential care setting.  The resident may need some daily nursing supervision.  A nursing home certified as an Intermediate Care Facility may be approved for Medicaid reimbursement.