Senior living refers to housing and services tailored to adults typically 55 and older. It includes everything from independent living for active seniors to assisted living and memory support for those who need additional care. These communities often feature amenities such as on-site dining, fitness programs, social activities, and healthcare services, all designed to support well-being and a fulfilling lifestyle.
Exploring senior living options can be an exciting journey, but with so many terms, acronyms, and features to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. You may wonder: What is an ECC license? How do Life Plan Communities differ from other options? At Moorings Park Communities, we understand that the process can feel complex. That’s why we’ve created this glossary: to simplify your search and answer common questions along the way.
Use this resource as your go-to guide for the most common senior living terms and definitions, explained clearly and conversationally. With the right knowledge, you’ll feel confident as you explore a vibrant, luxurious retirement lifestyle.
Accreditation is a formal recognition that a senior living community meets rigorous quality standards set by an independent organization. Moorings Park Communities is proud to hold a prestigious Five-Year Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). In addition, it is one of the few Life Plan providers nationwide to receive A or A+ ratings from both Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.
Active senior living is a lifestyle option for independent adults, typically aged 55 and above, characterized by maintenance-free living and a strong emphasis on engagement, wellness, and social connection. These communities often feature a resort-like array of amenities designed to foster a vibrant, purposeful, and healthy retirement, distinct from care-focused living environments.
Assisted living communities offer support for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, or medication management. Residents of Moorings Park Communities’ assisted living communities receive all the features and benefits of our award-winning continuum of care that includes dining and social, intellectual, spiritual, and recreational activities and events in a beautiful setting. Read more about assisted living here.
Blue Zones are regions known for their residents' longevity and healthy lifestyles. Moorings Park Communities incorporates principles from Blue Zones, including a focus on community, wellness, and nutritious food.
Concierge medicine is a healthcare model where members pay a fee for personalized and accessible care. It facilitates faster access to medical advice with a focus on preventive care. Concierge medicine is becoming a popular choice for retirees and seniors because it provides a reliable, hands-on approach to managing their health and ensures that they receive the attention and care they need at every stage of life.
Moorings Park Communities’ Care 360 concierge healthcare program offers residents a high level of personalized primary care with a focus on wellness and prevention. This program partners with Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) concierge medicine to provide experienced, board-certified physicians dedicated to proactive care. Services are available to residents at no extra cost, apart from typical co-pays, while non-residents and Moorings Park Communities’ Platinum members can access the program for an additional fee.
A continuum of care refers to the healthcare services available to residents within a senior living community, allowing residents to age in place. From independent living to skilled nursing care, Moorings Park Communities ensures residents’ changing needs are met without the need to relocate.
An Extended Congregate Care, or ECC, license allows senior living communities to provide nursing services that go beyond those of a standard assisted living license, which provides enhanced care to residents. An ECC license also ensures residents can remain in familiar surroundings even as their healthcare needs change.
In a fee-for-service model, residents pay only for the services they use. This model is often contrasted with bundled pricing and provides flexibility and cost transparency. Discover more about the different types of retirement community contracts here.
Independent living communities are designed for active seniors who want to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle. Residents live in private residences while taking advantage of amenities like five-star restaurants, fitness centers, and social programs.
Levels of care refer to the different types of support available within a senior living community, such as independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. These options ensure that residents receive the appropriate care as their needs change.
Also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), Life Plan Communities offer a full spectrum of living arrangements. From independent living to skilled nursing care, residents can access these services all within one campus.
Memory care typically refers to a secure, dedicated section within an assisted living or skilled nursing building that exclusively serves residents with memory loss. These environments are specifically designed to support residents with cognitive challenges and often include controlled access points to prevent wandering.
By contrast, memory support can exist within a traditional assisted living setting. At Moorings Park Communities, this model allows residents with dementia to live among other assisted living residents while receiving highly specialized care. They benefit from customized programming, thoughtful design, and technology that supports their independence and safety; all without isolating them from the larger community. Read more about memory care and memory support here.
Nonprofit senior living communities reinvest funds into programs and services rather than distributing profits to shareholders. Moorings Park Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors. Unlike for-profit entities, all resources and revenue are reinvested into improving services, amenities, and care for residents. This commitment ensures a focus on quality, innovation, and the overall well-being of the community.
Rehabilitation services help residents recover from surgeries, illnesses, or injuries. Moorings Park Communities offers comprehensive rehabilitation services to support recovery and well-being. These include personalized outpatient therapy programs for physical, occupational, and speech therapy needs. With advanced equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the Center for Healthy Living® ensures residents receive tailored care in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Resident programs encompass activities and amenities designed to foster engagement, intellectual wellness, and lifelong learning. These can include fitness classes, social clubs, art workshops, and cultural events, all tailored to residents’ interests.
Skilled nursing provides a specialized level of medical care and rehabilitation by licensed nurses and therapists, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapists, in a comfortable setting. This care is typically for individuals requiring complex medical treatments, post-surgical recovery, or intensive rehabilitation. Types of care include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, memory support, and outpatient therapy.
The Chateau® at Moorings Park provides Simply the Best® healthcare and services available in Naples, Florida. Residents at The Chateau® enjoy a full calendar of social, recreational, and spiritual activities, including music therapy and chaplaincy services.
The Best Friends™ Approach is regarded internationally as an accumulation of the best practices in memory support, and Moorings Park Communities is the first organization in Florida to formally license it. When a loved one experiences memory loss, the acclaimed Best Friends approach offers person-centered care through unique tools designed to engage residents in purposeful communication and camaraderie with their neighbors which helps them feel safe, secure, and valued.
Upscale dining in senior living communities offers residents a gourmet dining experience. Moorings Park Communities has a variety of exceptional five-star restaurants, from casual snacks in cafés to fine dining. Menus change seasonally, focusing on fresh, local, and healthy ingredients crafted by skilled chefs. For added convenience, residents can enjoy meal delivery or pick-up services, making fine dining accessible in the comfort of their own homes.
Understanding these terms will help you navigate the world of senior living with confidence. For more details, explore Moorings Park Communities’ comprehensive resources and learn how we're setting the standard in luxury senior living.