Adult Day Care: Daytime community service program offering social and health supports.

Aging in Place: The concept of allowing an elder to remain in his/her home, as they grow older or become more frail, by bringing services to them.

Assisted Living: Housing that includes assistance with activities of daily living. Services may include meals, housekeeping, laundry, social programs, transportation, service coordination, health monitoring, medication administration and 24-hour unscheduled assistance.

Congregate Housing: Independent apartments with common meals service, housekeeping, chore, transportation, recreation and service-coordination services.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): Housing services organized to offer a continuum of assistance ranging from independent living, assisted living and nursing care on one campus. Residents pay an entrance fee that provides access to higher levels of assistance as needed. Monthly service fees pay for operating costs and amenities. Also known as "Life Care Communities."

Continuum of Care: Full range of services that include independent housing, home care, assisted living, and nursing care. Specialized services such as rehabilitation and Alzheimer's services may also be included.

Cooperative: A form of ownership where the resident purchases a share in the retirement facility, which includes housing. Residents pay a monthly service fee for maintenance and services.

Condominium: A form of ownership in which the resident purchases a specific unit in a condominium complex where service and central spaces are owned in common. Residents pay a monthly service and operating fee.

Cottage: Single family attached or detached home located on a retirement campus.

Independent Living: Senior housing where the resident resides on a self-sufficient basis. Many congregate housing programs that offer meals, housekeeping, social activities and transportation are considered independent living.

Life Care Community: See Continuing Care Retirement Community

Long-term Care: Service provided to a person with ongoing, chronic-care needs.

Not-for-profit: Organizations that are established under provisions of state and federal laws to provide services. Any surplus income is turned back into improving or expanding services for clients. Non-profits are governed by volunteeer boards of directors or. Boards are responsible for establishing financial and program policies.

Nursing Home: Facility providing 24 hour-per-day nursing care and other services to residents with chronic or long-term illnesses. Services include medical supervision and rehabilitation therapies.

Residential Care: Service provided by residential care facilities including 24 hour supervision, meals, activities, social service.

Skilled Nursing Facility: A Medicare-certified nursing facility offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing services.