Better Health & Living
A New Place To Call Home
Seniors-only housing options suit every need
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Q:
My parents are having a hard time keeping up with household chores. Their lawn looks like a meadow, and they’ve been getting late notices on their bills. How do I delicately suggest that they move to a place where they can get more help?
A:
Unfortunately, when well-meaning children broach this subject, the first reaction of aging parents is often an accusatory, “You want to put me in a nursing home!” But they—and you—need to know that’s not the only option, or even the most appropriate. “If chores overwhelm them, you could talk to them about a lower-maintenance option, such as an apartment,” says Barbara Krueger, president and founder of seniorresource.com, an on-line information source for older adults. “If long-time neighbors have recently moved way, and they feel isolated, maybe a seniors-only community would appeal to them.”
Just remember, no matter what you think they should do, they may not want to do it. And unless they’re declared incompetent, it’s their decision to make. “You can only try to help by identifying options,” Krueger says.
Here are some of the most popular housing choices.
Aging in Place
“Aging in place” means continuing to live in your current home but adapting it to anticipate future health issues. You may need to install a full bathroom on the first floor in case you won’t be able to navigate stairs, for example. “And to age in place, you need to be aware of community services to help you manage age-related problems that could occur later, such as home maintenance, personal care assistance, and transportation,” says Krueger. Aging in place can be expensive. “Professional home support services can range from $13 to $20 an hour and from $300 to $600 for 24-hour care,” Krueger adds. Medicare won’t pay in full for 24-hour professional services and usually for none of the cost of nonmedical custodial service, except in cases of Alzheimer’s, although some long-term care insurance policies may help with some of the cost.”
Age-Restricted Retirement Communities
Senior communities are like other neighborhoods, except that residents must be either 55 or older or 62 and older, depending on the community’s restrictions. “Most age-restricted communities cater to older adults who enjoy more active lifestyles,” Krueger says. “Some offer sports, a swimming pool, and a variety of other activities.” These amenities come at a price, though: In addition to the cost of your home, you will need to pay a Community Association fee. That fee may be offset, though, by the amenities that it covers, including pool, grounds, and garden maintenance; cable service; and tennis court and athletic club membership.
Seniors-Only Apartments
Apartment living may appeal to you if you’re tired of the responsibilities of home ownership. “It can also offer you some security and socializing opportunities,” says Krueger. Costs can vary widely, depending on the type of apartment you choose and where it’s located. “There will also be differences in included amenities,” she adds.
Modular Home Communities
Some modular (or “mobile”) home communities provide a less expensive seniors-only option. “You’ll often see these communities in Sun Belt states,” says Krueger. “People move from an existing home to enjoy the services and activities many of these communities offer.”
ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunities)
You may know these as in-law suites. “Elder cottages may be permanent or temporary, separate or attached, and usually stand on an adult child’s property or on the senior’s property in cases where the children move into the larger house,” Krueger explains. “If your parents live nearby, you can help care for them while they live independently.” Check local zoning ordinances to see whether you can build an addition or place a leased modular unit on your property.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs, or Lifecare communities, offer something for everyone. They combine housing for independent and active adults, assisted-living options that offer a higher level of care, and nursing homes for people with more serious illnesses, Krueger says. These communities are usually expensive. Most CCRCs require entrance fees and monthly payments, she adds. “Entrance fees can range from $20,000 to $500,000 or more, and monthly payments from $200 to $4,500.” The positive side: Many CCRCs guarantee you a lifetime home and care if you have a long-term contract. Because these communities cater to seniors, they also offer social opportunities, dining, and health care services.
Assisted Living
If you need help with housekeeping, bathing, and transportation but don’t need extensive medical care, assisted living may be worth considering. “These facilities usually offer meals and help with laundry and medications,” says Krueger. “And if you think you may need more care later, look for a place affiliated with a nursing home.” Assisted living is expensive. “These facilities can run to $60,000 a year or more, and Medicare won’t cover the living, or nonmedical, portion of the cost,” she says. “But in some cases, Medicaid or other funding sources may help pay.
Linda Rao is a frequent contributor to Better Health and Living, writing about elder care.
Contact these organizations to learn more about housing
AARP
601 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20049
888-687-2277
www.aarp.org
Eldercare Locator
800-677-1116
www.eldercare.gov
Moving Mentor
PO Box 3003
Amherst, MA 01004
866-549-1039
www.movingmentor.com
National Alliance for Caregiving
4720 Montgomery Lane, 5th Floor
Bethesda, MD 20814
www.caregiving.org
Senior Resource
PO Box 781
Del Mar, CA 92014-0781
877-793-7901
www.seniorresource.com
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