NIC, ASHA develop standardized terms for senior housing types.

In an effort to reduce confusion and encourage use of compatible long term care data the National Investment Centers for the Seniors Housing & Care Industries [NIC] and the American Seniors Housing Association [ASHA] developed standardized classifications for various property types.

The new terms should eliminate conflicting data on construction starts, supply and demand that are commonly found in the industry, according to NIC President Robert G. Kramer.

The classifications are approved by several trade associations including the Assisted Living Federation of America, the American Health Care Association, the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and the National Center for Assisted Living, Kramer said.

Standard terms include Independent Living, formerly known as Congregate Care; Active Adult Communities; Senior Apartments; Assisted Living Residences; Nursing Homes and CCRCs [Continuing Care Retirement Centers].

Definitions can be found at www.nlc.org or www.asha.org.