If you’ve started researching your options for retirement, you’ve likely come across the terms senior housing and senior living. While they sound similar, these two paths offer very different experiences. Knowing the difference can help you or your loved one find the right fit for the next stage of life.
Let’s break down what sets them apart and why more seniors are choosing vibrant, community-focused senior living in their retirement years.
Senior Housing: A Roof Over Your Head
Senior housing typically refers to age-restricted apartment buildings or complexes designed for older adults. These homes often offer features like elevators, grab bars, or other accessibility considerations, but otherwise function much like traditional apartments. You’re renting a space—plain and simple. As a result, traditional senior housing often lacks the amenities and support that most seniors need now or will need in the future:
Limited social engagement
While senior housing may include shared spaces like lobbies or meeting rooms, there are usually no formal lifestyle programs, planned activities, or on-site staff to organize events. Most socializing is up to the residents or volunteers.
No dining or wellness support
You’ll be cooking all your own meals and managing your nutrition needs independently. And if you’re looking for fitness or wellness resources, you’ll need to seek those out off-site.
No healthcare services included
If your health needs change over time, you’ll have to arrange for care separately, often through home health services or off-site providers.
In short, senior housing provides a place to live—but little else in the way of support, customized care, and programming.
Senior Living: A Whole-Community Experience
Senior living communities are designed to support every part of a senior’s life—mind, body, and spirit. Residents live in private apartments or homes, but what sets these communities apart is the freedom, enjoyment, and peace of mind their services offer:
A true sense of community:
At Buckner Westminster Place, residents are welcomed into a warm, active environment filled with meaningful relationships and daily opportunities for connection.
Delicious, nutritious meals
We offer chef-prepared meals and nutrition counseling, so you can enjoy healthy, delicious food without the hassle of cooking or grocery shopping.
Robust lifestyle programming
From art classes and book clubs to day trips and volunteer opportunities, there’s always something happening at Buckner Westminster Place. These programs support social connection, mental stimulation, and the discovery of new passions and hobbies.
Wellness that works for you
We offer holistic wellness services tailored to your goals—whether that’s staying active, managing a chronic condition, or simply feeling your best every day.
Care that adapts with you
We are proud to offer residents multiple levels of care, so if your health needs evolve, you won’t have to uproot your life to get support.
The Buckner Difference
If you’re simply looking to downsize your living space, senior housing may be a good fit for you. But if you’re looking for connection, convenience, and care all in one place—senior living communities like ours offer so much more: caring staff who know your name, neighbors who feel like family, and an atmosphere that supports every stage of your journey.
Want to learn more?
We’d love to show you around and help you decide if Buckner Westminster Place is the right fit for your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a visit and experience the Buckner difference for yourself.