Atlanta Senior Living Housing GuideLearn about senior housing and senior care options available in the metro Atlanta area.

Active Adult

Age-restricted residential communities that cater to the needs of independent seniors aged 55-plus (and sometimes 62-plus). In addition to maintenance-free housing, active adult communities usually offer opportunities for social and recreational activities. This term is often used interchangeably with independent living. Learn more about Active Adult Communities

Adult Day Care

An alternative to a live-in facility or home care, these programs offer daytime care for seniors, usually including a mix of social activities and health-oriented programs. Adult day care programs allow caretakers to maintain a regular day job while knowing their loved ones are being supervised in a safe and secure environment. Learn more about Adult Day Care

Aging in Place

Term used to describe seniors who wish to continue living independently and safely in their own homes regardless of their age or ability. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists can assist in the remodeling of residences into safe, barrier-free environments. Learn more about Aging in Place

Alzheimer's/Dementia Care

Specialized care programs for residents living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, typically offered at assisted living, skilled nursing and other senior residential communities. Learn more about Alzheimer's/Dementia Care

Assisted Living

A senior residential community where trained staff are on hand to assist with the daily needs of their residents, such as bathing, dressing, administering medications, housekeeping and providing meals. Learn more about Assisted Living

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Multi-use facilities that allow seniors to age in place by providing an array of housing options, from independent living to skilled nursing care, without having to relocate once they move into the facility. Also referred to as life care communities. Learn more about Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Congregate Housing

Residents at these facilities reside in apartment-style housing that’s part of a community where all housekeeping, security and meal preparation needs are taken care of by a staff on duty 24 hours a day. Some facilities also provide other services, such as social activities and transportation, but do not usually provide on-site medical care. Those congregate housing programs operated by the government may be partially or fully subsidized, or accept residents on SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO)

Small, prefabricated housing units for seniors that are situated on the caregiver's property, providing privacy for all involved, while ensuring a safe and secure environment for the elderly Learn more about Elder Cottage Housing

Hospice Care

For the chronically or terminally ill, hospice care can be provided in the home or in a specialized facility. The focus of hospice care is on pain and symptom management, while also offering emotional support to the patient and family. Learn more about Hospice Care

Independent Living

Communities where seniors live in private, easily maintained apartments or homes, and often have access to recreational activities with other residents. Independent living requires residents to be healthy and self-sufficient. This term is often used interchangeably with active adult. Learn more about Independent Living

Nursing Home

For those who can no longer live independently, these fully equipped residential facilities provide around-the-clock medical care and supervision. In addition to having medical staff on-site to meet the resident’s health care needs, all housekeeping, personal grooming, dietary and social activity planning are provided by the nursing home staff. Learn more about Nursing Homes

Respite Care

Organizations that offer caregivers a break from their daily custodial duties through a variety of programs, including adult day care, temporary nursing home stays and home health care.

Retirement Communities

Independent living communities where residents pay a monthly fee that includes the cost of meals, activities, transportation and other amenities.

Skilled Nursing

State-licensed facility that provides around-the-clock medical care and supervision for those with chronic illnesses. Skilled nursing facilities are also referred to as nursing homes. Learn more about Skilled Nursing