Independent living in New York is generally unlicensed housing, because no personal care is provided. Assisted living requires a base Adult Care Facility license (Adult Home or Enriched Housing Program) plus Assisted Living Residence (ALR) certification under 10 NYCRR Part 1001, issued and inspected by NYSDOH.
What each is built for
Independent living is housing with services bundled in -- dining, housekeeping, transportation, activities -- for someone who does not need hands-on help with daily activities. Assisted living is a licensed level of care, with staff trained and regulated to provide that hands-on help.
Moving between levels
Several campuses on and around Staten Island combine independent living with assisted living or memory care on one site, letting a resident move between levels without relocating entirely -- ask any independent living community directly whether that option exists on-site or requires a move elsewhere.
