Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) represent a steadily growing and gradually more stable option for seekers of long-term care for the elderly. The industry, which originated in the early 19th century, has gained a more respectable reputation after a series of financial setbacks during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The American Seniors Housing Association estimates that about 2,175 CCRCs are in operation. They offer 621,000 units, which house an estimated 776,000 residents.

This article originally appeared on McKnight's