A nursing home, convalescent home, Skilled Nursing Unit, care home or rest home provides a specific type of care for its residents. A place in a retirement home can be paid for on a rental basis, like an apartment, or can be bought in perpetuity on the same basis as a condominium. Other licensure terms used for this philosophy of care include Residential Care Home, Assisted Care Living Facilities, and Personal Care Homes. Independent living is a general name for any housing arrangement designed exclusively for seniors. Independent living is a general name for any housing arrangement designed exclusively for seniors. Senior Housing - find independent and assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities, and other elderly care. A nursing home is a place of residence for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living. Assisted Living communities are regulated and licensed at the US state level. 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. The housing is friendlier to older adults, more compact, with easier navigation and assistance in outside maintenance. A nursing home, convalescent home, Skilled Nursing Unit, care home or rest home provides a specific type of care for its residents. Other licensure terms used for this philosophy of care include Residential Care Home, Assisted Care Living Facilities, and Personal Care Homes.