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About Senior Housing
by Marilyn Crain
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Overview
At one time, the housing options for American seniors were limited. Most stayed in their own homes for as long as they could safely could. When this was no longer possible, a family member would move in with them, they would go to live with family or into a nursing home. Now there are numerous options to choose from, including some very creative ones.
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Significance
As the population of the United States ages and the number of baby boomers reaching retirement age grows, housing needs for senior citizens are going to steadily increase. In addition, as Americans live longer, the senior population increases. This requires planning and action so that these seniors will continue to have housing options to choose from, in sufficient numbers to meet their needs.
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Types
Senior housing options with no age restrictions include:
Aging in place simply means staying at home.
Echo Housing (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity) is an alternative to staying at home. In this option, seniors move to housing such as a mobile home or an apartment with a separate entrance, alongside their family.
Shared housing is an option where the senior shares a home with another person, who may or may not be a senior.
Senior housing options with age restrictions are usually only available to those who are 55 and over, or in some cases, 62 and over. These include:
Age-restricted retirement communities offer active lifestyles to seniors. These may be government-subsidized units or upscale communities appealing to more affluent seniors wanting homes and recreation facilities.
Senior apartments are age-restricted multi-unit housing and may be subsidized or not.
Independent living, also called assisted living or residential care, offers individual housing units where assistance for everyday living is provided. This does not include medical assistance.
Continuing care or life care retirement communities offer a private home and an active, independent lifestyle which will include any future medical needs. These require a lump-sum up front and monthly payments.
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Geography
Location can impact housing options for senior residents. For instance, in Arizona, Florida and Texas, seniors may have more opportunity for housing choice. The popularity of these areas among Snow Birds and Winter Texans means that they have already adapted to a larger senior population and thus in many cases are more attuned to their housing needs.
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Warning
Seniors and their families must be vigilant to avoid housing scams, especially in selecting assisted living, life care communities and nursing home facilities. Federal and state government senior resources and state accrediting agencies can be helpful in researching senior housing.
Seniors should never choose a housing option without spending some time there. Many retirement and assisted living communities offer seniors short-term vacations or try before you buy visits. This allows potential residents to stay for a few days to see if the facility is a good option for them.
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Considerations
Choosing the best senior housing option for any particular individual or couple is a very personal decision. The needs of seniors and their families must be carefully and thoughtfully considered.
