Independent living communities provide high levels of privacy to residents and require residents to be capable of relatively high degrees of independence. Unlike an age restricted apartment property, an independent living community usually bundles services, such as meals, housekeeping, or social services as part of a regular monthly charge. Additional services are generally available from staff employees on a fee for service base.
Assisted living communities typically have one bedroom units which include private bathrooms and efficiency kitchens. Services bundled within one charge usually include three meals per day in a central dining room, daily housekeeping, laundry, medical reminders and 24 hour availability of assistance with the activities of daily living, such as dressing and bathing. Professional nursing and healthcare services are usually available at the property on call or at regularly scheduled times.