Older adults may daydream of spending time in a warm and sunny place, but few are tempted to make the move permanent. In fact, more than 75% of seniors would actually prefer to stay in their current home and community, according to a new AARP survey. But less than half of them think that will be possible. Luckily, Baby Boomers have quite a variety of options for senior living, ranging from full independence to continuing care. 

Here are a few popular choices:

Aging in place – seniors remain in their current home, modifying it to accommodate any health or mobility issues, and arranging for home health care aides when needed. The cost is relatively low, and seniors can retain independence, though they may have to rely more on family and friends.

55+ community – These are age-restricted developments that cater to older adults. Most offer low-maintenance homes, condos, townhouses or apartments, to own or rent, depending on the community. Many are gated, offering security, clubhouses, organized activities, and other shared amenities. This option relieves residents of many home maintenance chores, and is designed for aging in place, with access to recreation and like-minded neighbors.

Assisted living – For people who require extra help with daily living tasks, like cooking, doing laundry, and bathing, but not necessarily medical care. Residents may have a private or semi-private bedroom with bathroom, but all other areas are shared. While these facilities are regulated as to the level of care they provide, the amenities can vary widely. Usually meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation to doctors is included. But some may also offer entertainment, recreational activities, exercise rooms, onsite beauty salons and more.  Costs can be high, and can vary depending on the level of care and residents’ living space.

Nursing home – a skilled nursing facility is for those who require round-the-clock supervised care. Residents may have debilitating physical or mental illnesses, and are unable to care for themselves. A doctor oversees each resident, and medical professionals are usually on premises at all times. Facilities are licensed and regulated, and costs are high.

Memory care facility – usually part of a nursing home, this facility cares for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It offers more supervision, larger, specially trained staff, and security to keep residents from wandering away without supervision.

Hospice – rather than a facility, hospice is a level of care provided to the terminally ill. Services may be given in a nursing home or at home, and they focus on making the person as comfortable as possible. In addition to pain management and medical care, hospice gives patients emotional and spiritual support.

Continuing-care retirement community– offers an all-in-one approach, which includes independent housing options, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, all in the same community. Residents enjoy activities and amenities, and are able to transition from one type of living to the next level of care, as needed, without leaving their social network. CCRCs are good options for people who don’t want the responsibilities of home ownership anymore, and have no desire to move again in future. They also offer couples who may need differing levels of care a way to remain living near each other. CCRCs are the most expensive of all long-term care options, with substantial entry fees plus monthly fees that will increase with higher levels of care.