Housing Options for Seniors
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KEY POINTS
- There are many kinds of housing for seniors. They provide different levels of service, care, and independence.
- Some primary care providers and all geriatricians can do a geriatric assessment. They can advise you what kinds of housing might work best for you.
- Ask questions so that you understand the options, and choose based on what is safe and what meets your needs.
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Most older adults prefer to stay independent. However, living alone at home is not always the best choice.
It can be hard to decide between living in your own home and living in another type of housing. It helps to learn about your choices before you have to make a quick decision due to health problems.
What are the housing options for seniors?
There are many kinds of housing for seniors. They provide different levels of service, care, and independence.
In-Home Care
One choice is to stay at home and get help when needed. People can be hired to:
- Do yard work
- Help with housework
- Cook meals
- Shop for groceries
- Provide personal care or skilled nursing care
In-home care may be expensive. It can also take a lot of time and effort. You may need to hire several people to get all of the jobs done. You may also have to hire for different shifts if you need care around the clock.
Group or Family Housing
Group or family housing means sharing a house with others. This allows you to split the cost of rent, housekeeping, utilities, and meals. Group housing offers social contacts, activities, and help with chores around the house.
Retirement Housing
Retirement housing communities are for seniors who are able to live on their own but want services such as:
- Meals
- Housekeeping
- Activities
- Transportation
- Security
Most retirement communities do not offer medical care.
Assisted Living
Assisted living offers a private living unit as well as some help with daily activities such as:
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Meals
- Transportation
- Taking medicine
Health services may or may not be available, depending on the facility.
Nursing Facilities
Nursing facilities provide care for people with illnesses and disabilities that make it impossible for them to stay in their own homes. Nursing facilities are not hospitals. They provide a room; meals; help with daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing; and supervision. Nursing facilities are also called nursing homes or care centers. Aides provide most of the personal care. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists may also be available.
If a nursing facility provides wound care or uses tube feedings or IVs, it’s called a skilled nursing facility. A skilled nursing facility may be located within a nursing facility or care center or in a separate part of a hospital.
Continuing-Care Retirement Communities
Continuing-care retirement communities, or life-care communities, offer 3 levels of care:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Nursing facility care
These communities may require a large entry fee, plus monthly fees, or you may be able to just pay rent.
How can I find out what level of care is needed?
Some primary care providers and all geriatricians (specialists in the care of older adults) can do a geriatric assessment. They will look for current problems and try to prevent future problems. This assessment checks:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Social support
- Ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Financial status to help determine whether you might be able to adapt your current environment to meet your needs or are financially able to go to a retirement facility
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results of the assessment with you and your family.
Healthcare providers can help judge whether an older adult is competent. Being competent is a legal term that means that a person is able to make good decisions. Any competent adult has the right to make his or her own choice about where to live. Understand your options, and choose based on what is safe and what meets your needs.
If an older adult is not able to make good decisions, a court may declare the person to be incompetent. If the person has not already named a durable power of attorney for healthcare, the court will appoint a guardian to make decisions for the person.
Your local Area Agency on Aging or home healthcare agency can tell you what housing options and community services are available in your area. The agency can refer you to service providers.
