Senior Housing Solutions

Retirement communities provide options for socializing and exercise.

In 2009, the senior citizen population in the United States hit 39.6 million. By 2030, the Administration on Aging, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, expects the number of persons age 65 and older to rise to 72.1 million, or about 19 percent of the population. This increase in population brings with it an increase in available senior housing solutions, no matter what your age or state of health.

Independent Living Options

Unless a medical condition makes this impossible, independent living may be your first choice. While this solution often means remaining in your existing home, other options such as buying or renting a home in a retirement community exist. Smart house modifications, including items such as motion sensors to track steps and detect falling movements, temperature sensors that can detect how often you open a refrigerator door or forget to turn off the stove, and humidity sensors that track how often you shower make remote monitoring a possibility. In addition, services such as meal delivery and in-home care, and financial help such as reverse mortgage or housing assistance, can make independent living a solution even if you have health problems or financial difficulties.

Assisted Living Options

If a medical condition or physical limitations make living by yourself not possible, assisted living is a solution that allows you a measure of independence while at the same time acknowledges any special needs you may have. Assisted living is type of community living arrangement in which you receive assistance with daily tasks such as meals, cleaning, laundry, shopping and errands. If you require a higher level of care, assistance with tasks such as eating, getting in and out of bed, dressing, showering and using the bathroom are generally available. The difference between assisted living and a traditional nursing home lies with medical care, which assisted living does not usually provide.

Special Care Options

If you require both personal assistance and extensive medical supervision due to a condition, illness or disability, a nursing home may be your best option. Because this is the most expensive housing solution, and a solution that as of 2008 Medicare does not cover past 100 days, consider contacting your state medical assistance, or Medicaid, office to get information on state programs that may help defray your costs. Medicare.gov provides a checklist you can use for comparison when you visit and evaluate different facilities.

Considerations

Before making any decisions, take some time to assess your situation and determine which solution is the most appropriate for you. Consider factors such as your state of health, lifestyle, finances and the availability of services within each option. If you need help while weighing options and making a decision, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides free counseling to seniors looking for more information on housing options. This is especially helpful if you are considering the financial aspects of independent living options.

References

• Administration on Aging: Aging Statistics
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: Housing Options
• Medical Automation Research Center: Smart Houses May Help Seniors Stay at Home
• The Meals on Wheels Association of America: About Us
• Family Caregiver Alliance: Family Care Navigator
• Medicare: Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home

Resources

• HUD.gov: HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies