Townhomes: Attached homes, with private exterior entrances, for older adults seeking a high level of independence with all the benefits of a community setting.

Row-style homes: One and two-bedroom residences, reminiscent of historic row-style homes, for older adults seeking a high level of independence.

Senior Apartments: Apartment living for older adults seeking a high level of independence with all of the benefits of a community setting.

Senior Apartments - Subsidized : Apartments for income-qualified households in which one member is 62 years or older. Rent responsibility is 30% of adjusted household income.

Senior Apartments with Companion Care: Apartments for couples wanting added support, both for the one with memory loss or other care needs, as well as for the caregiver.

Assisted Living: Apartments, suites or rooms with housekeeping, personal care, activites and meals.

Assisted Living - Subsidized: Apartments, suites or rooms with housekeeping, personal care, activities, and meals for income-qualified households in which one member is 62 years or older. Subsidies may also be available, through your county, to assist in payment for care and services.

Creative Assisted Living: Assisted Living with services from Optage Home & Community Services

Enhanced Assisted Living: Apartments in a neighborhood setting with a high level of around-the-clock care and services.

Memory Care: Assisted living or care center suites and rooms with specialized staff and programs designed for those with memory loss.

Specialty Care: Assisted living suites with specialized staff and programs designed for those with memory loss and other special needs.

Care Center: 24-hour skilled nursing care and services provided in private or semi-private rooms and suites.

Transitional/Short Term Care: Intensive nursing care and/or rehabilitation within a care setting.

Respite Care: Respite care provides short-term housing, care and support for friends and loved ones, allowing a caregiver personal time for rest, vacation or other activity.

Market Rate: This means that the rent levels are determined by the real estate market and there is no government subsidy.

Moderate Rate: This means the community may have used tax incremental financing (TIF) and/or income qualifications may apply to certain areas of the community in order to rent to those with low to moderate incomes.

Elderly Waiver/Family Care/GRH: Elderly Waiver (MN and IA) and Family Care (WI) are part of the Medicaid program, in which assistance dollars are "waivered" from nursing home settings to provide care in the community. Community settings include assisted living apartments. This means that there are income and resource limits to qualify. GRH (Group Residential Housing) is a Minnesota program which helps people with very low income and very low assets pay for housing and raw food costs. There are income and resource limits to apply.

Choice Voucher: This means that those who have met eligibility requirements and obtained a certificate for this federally funded program, of which a limited number are available, the government sets fair market rents. Some buildings with higher rents may not qualify for participation.

HUD 202/8: This means that a particular building has been designated to receive federal funds for a facility-based subsidy. Only those with low income may apply and they pay one third of their income toward rent, after certain allowable deductions.

Medicaid (Medical Assistance and Title 19) : Medicaid is a federal program, administered by each state, which helps people with low income and low assets pay medical bills, including long term care in nursing home settings. There are income and resource limits to qualify.