Hi Kerry, 

From my understanding an EPHAD ( établissement d'hébergement pour personnes âgées dépendantes)is a 'maison de retraite' ( a care home) but for people who can longer live an autonomous life and need a high level of care and medical aid.

Take a look at the following interesting page which will give you further detail -

http://www.maisons-de-retraite.fr/personnes-agees/difference-maison-de-retraite-ehpad.html

Hope this helps!