Housing arrangements for the future can be a stressful, anxiety-provoking topic for you and your family. Nursing Home residents include the elderly and younger adults with physical or mental disabilities. Independent living is a general name for any housing arrangement designed exclusively for seniors. Assistance may include the administration or supervision of medication, or personal care services provided by a trained staff person. Retirement homes are also called retirement residences. A retirement home differs from a nursing home primarily in the level of medical care given. You do not need to provide medical evidence that you need a minimum level of care. Assisted living residences or assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living. Retirement villages and retirement communities, unlike retirement homes, offer separate and autonomous homes for residents. Generally, retirement homes are designed for seniors who need minimal to moderate support with their daily living activities. Other licensure terms used for this philosophy of care include Residential Care Home, Assisted Care Living Facilities, and Personal Care Homes. Assisted Living communities are regulated and licensed at the US state level. Retirement homes are also called retirement residences. A retirement home is a multi-residence housing facility intended for senior citizens. There is a wide range of home care services that can help you maintain your independence within the comfort of your own home, from in home help to day care. Generally, retirement homes are designed for seniors who need minimal to moderate support with their daily living activities. Assisted living residences or assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance with monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Senior Living - info and advice for older adults. Assisted living residences or assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance with monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Assisted living residences or assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living. Some facilities provide minor help with medications as well.