About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2026 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2026 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2026 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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Expert Contributor

Amy McLoughlin, senior living expert

Former Learning and Development Specialist at A Place for Mom
Expertise
Amy McLoughlin was a learning and development specialist with A Place for Mom, who focused on improving the lives of seniors and caregivers.

About Amy

Amy McLoughlin joined A Place for Mom in 2014 as a Senior Living Advisor and was promoted to a learning and development specialist in 2021. With more than 17 years of experience in senior care, Amy supported families in their search for memory care, assisted living, independent living, and home care.

More from Amy

Senior and daughter reviewing memory care checklist
Use these 10 expert tips and a memory care checklist to find the most suitable memory care community for a loved one with dementia.
5 Steps to Take When You Can No Longer Take Care of an Elderly Parent
Learn how to talk with your family about the need for a new caregiving arrangement.
Senior and caregiver coversating on the couch
The biggest differences between assisted and independent living are cost and the services provided.
A woman sits while resting her hand on her chin.
Protect your health and well-being by learning how to spot, prevent, and treat burnout caused by prolonged caregiver stress.
A senior couple sitting on a porch, holding mugs and smiling at each other
Senior couples can live together in assisted living for around $4,500 per month or choose other care types that meet their needs.
An elderly couple stands in a house filed with packed boxes.
By using the one year rule, consolidating collections, and hiring professionals, families can successfully help seniors downsize.