Housing is part of the care continuum for seniors although it is not seen as such. Housing is also one of the biggest monthly expenses seniors have. But until they are faced with a need to move, we seldom consider the most appropriate home settings for our needs.
One national poll from the University of Michigan’s Institute
for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, sponsored by AARP, found that 88 percent
of Americans ages 50 to 80 wanted to live in their own homes as long as
possible. But only 15 percent had given a lot of consideration to the
home modifications needed to do so; and just 19 percent expressed
confidence they could afford to hire help, whether for chores or for
personal care.
Housing is limited for older people needing financial
assistance, so it pays to plan. For those with savings, the broad range of
housing options may include some built-in care.
For those who need little help
1. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Or granny
flats, or mother-in-law suites, may be an addition to a family member’s house
or a separate home on the property. Their popularity has increased in the past
two decades, especially in the most unaffordable housing markets in the country
but many municipalities are slow to approve these types of dwellings or the modifications
needed.
2. Age-restricted communities. These work in
some areas, and in some jurisdictions, at least 80 percent of the homes in
these communities must include one resident age 55 or older, but most set that
percentage threshold even higher. These active adult communities often
offer swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and other amenities for
residents along with child-free living.
3. Senior apartments. These rental units are
typically restricted to people 55 and older and may include age-friendly
features, such as limited stairs and grab bars. Some housing is subsidized,
enabling residents to qualify for a reduced rent. Senior apartments may offer
meals in their rental packages.
4. Cohousing. Designed to encourage socializing
with neighbors, these communities may be multigenerational and typically
feature attached or semidetached single-family homes. Because residents
participate in joint activities such as cooking and recreation, cohousing is
best suited for older adults who enjoy living close to their neighbors.
Neighbors typically share the cost of maintaining communal
areas, such as gardens, recreational spaces and parking, but not the individual
dwellings, However, cohousing is for active seniors who don’t require continual
self-care.
5. House sharing. Boomers are embracing the
idea. ray divorce has left many older people single. Sharing a home with
friends or strangers helps reduce costs while adding companionship. The
arrangement can involve buying or renting a home together, or one person
owning the home and the others paying rent.
Housemates can be of similar age or entirely different
generations. In fact, taking on a much younger housemate who can provide some
caregiving and transportation assistance in exchange for a reduced rent is one
way for an older person to continue living in their own home.
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