Housing Options For older adults who need more assistance

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 older adults who need more assistance

The village model. This concept lets people remain in their own homes longer by creating their own support network with like-minded neighbors. Together, they form a non-profits community group with members paying annual dues, generally several hundred dollars, in exchange for help finding services like transportation, in-home care and yard work.

The “village” may have one or two paid staff members helping connect members with the assistance they need, from trained volunteers or vetted businesses, but the network also serves as a social outlet. Many neighbors initially join for the fun activities, group outings and companionship.

With up to nearly 300 villages in the U.S., the demand for this type of housing model continues to grow and has even attracted financial support from philanthropic groups to encourage more of these communities. 

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The advantage of these communities is their continuum of care. Residents start out in independent living, and as their needs grow, they move on to housing that offers more care — typically assisted living, memory care and then nursing care. Although they’re hard to find, a few faith-based, not-for-profit communities may reduce onetime up-front fees and monthly payments for low-income residents, Golant says.  

Assisted living. These facilities typically offer a resident their own room or suite with access to round-the-clock clinical care, three meals a day in a dining room and medication management. Residents who need it can also get help with bathing and dressing. Assisted living is typically private pay, with no government assistance, although in some states Medicaid may cover support services but not room and board for eligible people.   

Group homes. Not to be confused with house sharing, group homes are a form of assisted living and offer a similar range of care services. Residents have a shared or private room in these state-licensed homes, which an individual or a company may own.

Often, the caregiving staff lives in the home with their families, sharing common areas of the house with the residents. 

10. Memory care. This specialized care is intended to provide structured routines, reducing stress for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In many communities, staff members offer activities to stimulate cognition, such as singing and reading together out loud as well as arts and crafts. Memory care units are often connected to housing options that offer graduated care — which means you start out independent and “graduate” to more hands-on care. 

Nursing homes. These facilities deliver hands-on, 24-hour care for adults who need help with basic skills, such as bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom and getting in and out of beds or chairs. Nursing homes came under harsh criticism for high death rates from COVID-19, leading to efforts for reform. 

To find nursing homes with good track records, try doing a google search in your area.