Understanding the 5 Types of Senior Living
Independent Living
Designed for active, self-sufficient seniors who want freedom from home maintenance and enjoy a vibrant social environment. No personal care or medical services included.
Assisted Living
Offers housing, meals, and help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, while promoting as much independence as possible.
Memory Care
Specialized care in a secure environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, focusing on safety, routine, and cognitive support.
Skilled Nursing
Provides 24/7 medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health issues, chronic conditions, or recovery needs after hospitalization.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Comprehensive communities that offer multiple levels of care on one campus—typically Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing—allowing residents to age in place as their needs change.
Western Washington Senior Living Communities
Murano – Seattle
Downtown tower with panoramic views, chef dining, and full care options.
The Mary Schwartz Summit, Kline Galland — Seattle, First Hill
Senior-care community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Support. It is also the only Jewish retirement community in Washington State.
Mirabella Seattle — Seattle, South Lake Union
Senior living solutions with state-of-the-art amenities and care.
Silver Glen – Bellevue
A 55+ cooperative with independent living and community-run programming.
The Bellettini - Bellevue
Upscale apartments and concierge amenities in downtown Bellevue.
Emerald Heights – Redmond
Life Care community with full-spectrum services on a lush Redmond campus.
Cascade Village - Marysville
Life Plan Community / CCRC currently under development with independent living and future continuum-of-care services. Opening planned for Summer 2027.
Quail Park – Lynnwood
Independent living, assisted living, and memory care community with hospitality-style senior living and lifestyle amenities.
Brookdale – Monroe
Independent living and assisted living community offering flexible senior housing and care services.
Franke Tobey Jones — Tacoma
Vibrant, inclusive, caring, not-for-profit senior living community.
Ashley Pointe — Lake Stevens
Independent and assisted living services for seniors in a caring, family-oriented environment.
Additional Resources
Senior Living Guide makes finding senior community housing easier than ever. Use their directory to quickly explore a wide range of senior living options, from assisted living senior housing to retirement community options–all across the United States.
Whether you prefer modern assisted living communities or the comfort of residential care homes, you'll find real senior living reviews you can trust on SeniorAdvisor.com.
Caring Transitions has experience with moving clients from state to state, with over 400 locations in the U.S. and Canada. While they are a national company, they serve local communities with a personal, compassionate approach.
Since 1998, Active Adult Living has been the leading source of information on active senior living communities in the United States and Canada.
- Jody Epstein | Broker, REALTOR®, Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
