Overview
A synopsis of housing options for older adults, along with products and services to make living at home (Aging in Place) easier and safer.
Last update: 5.26.21
A synopsis of housing options for older adults, along with products and services to make living at home (Aging in Place) easier and safer.
Last update: 5.26.21
Aging in Place/Independent Living
Aging in Place is defined as the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently and comfortably. There are three categories: people who are not experiencing immediate health/mobility issues; people with chronic or progressive conditions, such as diabetes and lung or heart disease, that will require special modifications; people who experienced an abrupt or immediate change that demands adjustments in their living environment, such as home modifications or a complete redesign. Remaining at home offers the advantage of staying in a familiar place where you know your neighbors and the community. 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 report that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age. The Village Movement is a relatively new concept that enables active seniors to remain in their own homes without having to rely on family and friends. Members of a “village” (typically operated as a non-profit organization), can access specialized programs and services such as transportation to the grocery store and medical appointments, or help with household chores. They also provide a network of social activities with other village members. Many communities also operate Senior Centers which provide similar services. Other emerging independent options to consider:
Related Issues: Aging in Place, What Every Senior Should Know, Porch Aging in Place Guide, NIH How new communities/technologies help us live longer, Next Avenue Community-centered housing solutions, HUD Four Stages of Aging in Place, HomeCare.org Home Elevators, A Rising Trend, Houzz Homes Renewed, a coalition to support aging-in-place Steps to Stay Independent, Harvard Medical New Stairs Technology To Help Remain Independent, SciBlog Elder Orphans, Single and Living Alone, Psychology Today Learning to Live Alone with Roommates, Next Avenue Designing a Home for Aging in Place, Architectural Digest More on Cohousing, Kaiser What Does Independent Living Really Mean, NextAve Age-Restricted Communities This type of community is designed for people where at least one of the inhabitants is at least age 55, but it could be age 50 and even age 60 in some cases. Age-Restricted Communities are typically setup to accommodate older individuals who would like to live in an area without the perceived problems of having children around. They are often planned communities that offer homes and community features that might include a clubhouse with a wide range of social and recreational activities such as a swimming pool, exercise facilities, craft rooms, card room, and more.
University-Based Retirement Communities...where residents live on campus and have an opportunity to take classes. Aging in Place Product and Service Guide
Housing Trends and Issues
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Transitional and Dependent Living
Apartments for Life (Aging in Community) The Apartments for Life (A4L) movement has existed for nearly two decades in the Netherlands. Individuals who range in age and competency from completely independent to extremely dependent may age in place there, in their own dwelling unit, until death. Homecare workers provide scheduled help and assistance—once a day for more independent residents, or four to eight times in 24 hours for frailer residents. Unlike continuing care retirement communities, which also provide a continuum of care, residents in A4L settings remain in the same unit and services are increased based on need. Continuing Care Communities Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are facilities that include independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care in one location, to meet the needs of residents as they require more support. People most often move into such a community when they are healthy. This type of housing enables spouses to remain close to each other even if one requires a higher level of care. The cost of buying a unit along with monthly fees can be very expensive. Fees increase as higher levels of care are required. Most facilities have a group dining area and common areas for social and recreational activities.
Assisted Living, RCFEs Including Board and Care Also known as residential care, board and care, congregate care, adult care home, adult group home, alternative care facility, or sheltered housing. This type of housing option is best for those who need help with some daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and toileting. Costs tend to vary according to the level of daily help required, although staff is available 24 hours a day. Some assisted living facilities provide apartment-style living with scaled-down kitchens, while others provide private or shared rooms. Most facilities have a group dining area and common areas for social and recreational activities. Congregate Housing is usually located within a public housing facility, and is designed for people with limited incomes. Depending on the state, Medicare and Medicaid might pay for some services. RCFEs (Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly/Board and Care Homes) serve persons 60 and older. They provide room, board, housekeeping, supervision, and personal care assistance with basic activities like personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and walking. Facilities usually centrally store and distribute medications for residents to self-administer. This level of care and supervision is for people who are unable to live by themselves but who do not need 24 hour nursing care. They are considered non-medical facilities and are not required to have nurses, certified nursing assistants or doctors on staff.
Group Homes An alternative for seniors who can't age in place. A smaller home-like setting compared to assisted living or nursing home facilities. Among the benefits, Group Homes provide more personalized care, higher staff to client ratios, home-cooked/customized meals, and a smaller monthly fee. Nursing Homes Typically, this is the highest level of care for older adults outside of a hospital, and is designed for individuals who require rehabilitative care or can no longer live independently due to functional or cognitive impairment. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is almost always on the premises. Skilled nursing care along with medical professionals such as occupational and physical therapists are also available. Most residents share a room, but are allowed to bring personal items to encourage a more home-like atmosphere. In recent years, nursing homes have attempted to create a more home-like atmosphere. Depending on the state, Medicare and Medicaid are available to pay for this type of housing.
Memory Care or Dementia Care Community Communities that provide care to individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia are governed by regulations to ensure that appropriate care is provided to residents. Rooms can be shared or private. In addition to the security of the building, a Memory Care community must provide programs to help residents with dementia, including: gross market skills, self care, crafts and other activities. These units/communities are more expensive than a traditional nursing home or assisted living facility due to the extra care required for the residents. Depending on the state, Medicare and Medicaid are available to pay for this type of housing.
Transitions: Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Memory Care Facility
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