Housing Options

There are many housing options for older adults who reach retirement age. They include remaining in their current residence, sharing a residence with others, moving to a retirement community or a congregate living facility. Individuals with mobility and health limitations may consider options offering personal care services such as continuing care retirement and assisted living facilities.

A choice within these basic options depends upon one’s income, health status, and family situation. While 80% of adults age 55 to 74 own their homes, the percentage of older adults living in their home declines with age and health status. Improved health and longevity sustains independent living for many, but there is also an increasing number of older adults age 85 and over living in personal care and health care facilities.

There really is no place like home. When asked about their preference for housing, most seniors answer, "What l would really like to do is to stay right here." The person's own home represents security and independence to most Americans.

Most housing, however, is designed for young, active and mobile people. To live at home, a person must, at the very least, have access to transportation, go shopping, cook, and do household chores. Many of us will lose one or more of these abilities, as we grow older.

One option is to purchase in home services, to cope with declining abilities. For a fee, an army of workers will appear to cut your grass, wash your windows, cook your meals, do the shopping, and even provide personal care and/or skilled nursing care. This may be the option for you, depending on the amount of help you need. However, this can be expensive and will require a lot of management and coordination.

For people willing to relocate, there are plenty of options, although there may be some confusion about what all the terms mean.

You may hear about "board and care homes," "personal care homes," "life care" and "continuing care retirement facilities." All refer to some type of "assisted living" or service-oriented housing. See below for the different levels of housing for senior living. If you are unsure of the level of care you need to look for, go to www.newlifestyles.com. You can answer a few questions about the person you need housing for and the site will provide suggestions.

Source: U.S. Administration on Aging