Housing Options for your Aging Loved One

As a family member grows older, housing options may need to be assessed and considered. The idea of change may be a bit overwhelming for your elder loved ones, and the decision is theirs to make. However, if you explain and help them understand their choices thoroughly, decision making may be a lot easier for them.

Aging in Place

Some seniors decide to spend the rest of their lives in their own homes ? a non-healthcare environment where they have lived for many years. In fact, according to statistics, some 70% of seniors decide to spend the rest of their life in the place where they turned 65. ?It is not having to move from one?s present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing need,? the Journal of Housing for the Elderly says.

Living with Family

Seniors may opt to move in with family or ask a family member/s to live with him or her. Living in an apartment that?s attached to the family?s home or in a different structure but on the same lot as the family?s can work for some older adults. Meanwhile, others prefer to have their care-provider son/daughter or grandchildren live with them in their own homes to provide care.

House Sharing

Senior homeowners who need additional income can rent their rooms to other seniors who prefer not to live alone. There are organizations that specialize in these arrangements and match two parties. Usually, in this situation, residents will have separate bedrooms but will share the kitchen and other parts of the house. They will also share in house chores. The homeowner need not be a senior in this case.

Senior Only Apartments

This is quite similar to house sharing. But in this case, a group of seniors decide to live together to have a greater sense of security. They usually sell their personal homes and use the money for home maintenance and housekeeping chores. There are faith-based communities that sponsor large homes shared by the several older adults.

ECHO Housing (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity)

These are accessory units usually called granny flats. This is a housing opportunity that makes seniors occupy a unit with a separate entrance, with another family. The owner of the home or the ?renting party? may be a senior.

Retirement Communities

This type of housing option is for seniors who can live in their own apartment units and take care of themselves. They share a dining area and are free of housekeeping services. The community offers a variety of social and recreational activities. Meals and services cost extra and the rent varies. However, retirement communities often have long waiting lists and are picky with residents.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

This community provides active seniors the opportunity to live in a private home. The facilities of the community offers a variety of options and services which is designed to meet the changing needs of the older population. Residents who need skilled nursing care can stay in nursing units. This option is quite costly compared to others.

Assisted Living Residences

Also known as Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE), assisted living residences provide housing for those who need help with non-medical aspects of daily activities such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and preparing meals in an atmosphere of separate private units. This housing option is likened to Congregate living but is meant for residents who cannot live independently.

Foster Care

Older adults can opt to live with a foster family. This family does the chores for them: cook meals, handles laundry. The older adult usually becomes a surrogate family member who receives companionship and emotional support from the family.

Board-and-Care Homes

This may appear as a converted home. Like foster care homes, seniors are offered assistance with meals and daily activities. These are also like assisted living residences but a little smaller and they are not always licensed and monitored by authorities. Some homes care for 4-10 residents.

Nursing Homes

This popular option offers skilled nursing care and long-term assistance to residents. The homes provides older adults personal care and medical assistance, and takes care of the house chores. Bedrooms and baths may be shared or private. Residents may be covered by insurance following hospitalization.

Melissa Page is a passionate writer who works for Pulaski & Middleman L.L.C, a group of?personal injury lawyers?that will help you if you think your loved ones are abused in a elder care facility. When she?s not writing, she?s playing bowling with her friends.

Source: http://elderkind.com/housing-options-for-your-aging-loved-one/

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