Housing Options for Seniors
Aging comes with many different concerns such as health, finances, and housing. All of these concerns may have a great influence on where, or how, a senior chooses to live out their remaining years. Seniors now have a number of housing choices available to them. Deciding which housing facility is best suited for the senior often is based on the health of the senior, income, location, family’s needs and preferences. Listed below are several housing choices available to seniors.
RETIREMENT TOWNS: This type of facility caters to the more affluent older person. They consist of small cities or towns that are designed specifically for older persons. They are most often the same type of housing in terms of price and style and generally located at the edge of an urbanized area. Retirement towns include extensive recreation facilities, clubs, activities, organized group trips, and an active social life for mobile seniors. Residents rarely have to leave the towns since they usually include banks, stores, restaurants and religious facilities. Professional staff, along with resident committees, or possibly the owner/manager of the town, is responsible for day-to-day functioning of the town.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES: In comparison to the towns, the retirement villages are smaller in area and have fewer residents. Like the towns they are comparative in price and style. Villages have some shops but they do not provide for all the needs of the residents.
RENTING: In this case the owner (the landlord) determines the age restrictions. Residents who choose to live only with seniors, age 62 and older, should seek out apartment facilities which leases exclusively to this age group. Seniors must also carefully investigate as to whether these facilities are designed to serve the needs of older tenants. When deciding to rent, residents should make sure that the lease list all services promised made by Landlord and that it does not allow the landlord to reduce the quality of services.
HOUSE SHARING: For older people who do not wish to leave the comfort and security of their own homes house sharing has become an option. Listed below are two types of house sharing available.
With Relatives: Many seniors choose to live with family members, especially after the death of a spouse. Under this living arrangement the older person can be in a loving environment with family who will care for their needs and provide companionship.
With Strangers: Older homeowners choosing to live with strangers is an option that seems to be on the rise. The homeowner either rents a room or rooms to strangers or shares the entire house with the stranger. It is beneficial to the older homeowner both financially and socially. The resident helps to pay for household expenses with their share of the rent and also provides companionship for the older homeowner. There are brokers who try to match people who are compatible, based on income, age, education, and interest. Although it is possible to arrange house sharing without a broker it could be very risky.
CONDOMINIUMS AND COOPERATIVES: Older homeowners are turning to purchasing cooperatives and condominium apartment houses. This permits the older homeowner to have the economic advantage of owning property while providing the advantages of living in an apartment. The lethargic duty of caring for the outside perimeter becomes the duty of someone else. This allows the homeowner to live on a well maintained property without the responsibility of owning a home.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES (CCRCs): CCRCs are becoming very popular with middle- and upper-income elderly people. Individuals who desire to live in a community where the facilities are designed for older people, who enjoy participating in social activities with their peer group, who find security in knowing that there will be adequate support if they need assistance with daily living, and those who want nursing home care available at a fixed or below-market rate are most attractive to this type of facility. Most communities have a common dining room area or some common area. The communities vary in appearances and are located in suburbs, cities, and in rural areas. CCRCs provide different levels of care based on the individual’s need.
CONGREGATE HOUSING: Congregate housing provides private living arrangements, usually small apartments or cottages with a common area for dining, socializing, and other activities. The common areas usually consist of a poolroom, a library, a craft shop, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and meeting rooms which are provided for the residents. One meal a day is provided for the residents in the common dining room. The daily meal is usually not optional and is included in the monthly fee. Congregate housing however does not offer health care, in-unit assistance, or other forms of support.
ASSISTED LIVING: Seniors who require some assistance with normal life activities, but are able to live independently, are better candidates for this type of residency. It provides individualized support services with moderate health care services. Help is offered for day to day tasks that a resident may have trouble with such as bathing, dressing, taking medicine, preparing meals, and using the bathroom. This type of residency provides dining room service, group outings, and recreational and social programs. The residents have their own room which is furnished by them.
NURSING HOME: When full-time health care is required a nursing home is the best option for the older person. This facility offers services for people who cannot care for themselves, whose families cannot care for them at home, and those most likely not to return to independent living. They provide care for individuals who need nursing care without being in a hospital. Professionals such as dieticians, rehabilitation specialist, and social service workers are available for the seniors. A doctor supervises this type of care and the state boards of health regulate these facilities. A substantial portion of these costs are usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid and/or private insurance.
HOSPICE CARE: Terminally ill patients and their families often choose to use a hospice. It is a facility which provides comfort and support to both. The primary goal of the hospice is to keep the patient alert, comfortable, and pain free so they can live out their last days in dignity and peace. Some hospices have their own facility while others provide services in a hospital or nursing home. All hospices provide services at the home of the patient if requested. Those services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bereavement support is provided for the family once the patient dies.
