Affordable housing for the aged typically refers to low-cost and/or affordable homes for seniors, but it also includes care facilities and other related services. Experts recommend that every elder have a place of their own in which they can feel safe, secure, and independent. It’s important to understand what constitutes affordable housing for the elderly.
Affordable housing for the elderly is a type of social welfare. Social welfare refers to programs that perform functions that are intended to provide help, care, or assistance to those who are in need. In regard to social welfare, affordable housing for the elderly is meant to help older people become more independent and maintain the ability to live a quality life.
There are many accessible and affordable options for seniors in their neighborhoods and local communities throughout North America. Options include living alone; living with other seniors; living with children or becoming a caregiver for an aging loved one; moving into group homes or facilities such as retirement facilities, nursing homes, and assisted-living centers; or moving into residential care facilities such as assisted-living residences.
Affordable housing for the elderly refers to various types of affordable residences, including affordable homes for sale, condos, and mobile homes. There is also affordable rental housing.
There are many factors that can contribute to the determination of affordability in regard to housing options for seniors. Finally, there is also an absence of affordable options in neighborhoods and communities across North America.
Affordable senior housing can be found in both urban and rural areas. It can range from apartments to small bungalows, detached homes, single family homes to large mansions. All options are considered affordable as long as they are within an older person’s means or income. The type of residence a senior chooses can affect their quality of life, but it also depends on the amenities of the community.
There are different levels of affordability for housing for the elderly. The National Center for Assisted Living has two definitions for affordable housing and their levels:
· Affordable housing is a post-tax household income level below $42,480 (in 2008). · Accessible Affordable Housing is a post-tax household income level between $42,480 and $82,100 (in 2008), or between $82,100 and $110,240 (in 2009) when only one person is receiving services at night.
Affordable housing for the elderly can refer to a wide range of residence types including shelters, group homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
There are many types of affordable senior housing options across the United States. The following are examples:
- Independent Living Residences/Senior Apartments – These are low-maintenance, community-based residential arrangements that provide all or part of a home such as food preparation services, housekeeping and cleaning services, mobility assistance and transportation services. They may provide programming such as daily exercise regiments and entertainment activities depending on availability located in the community.
- Assisted Living Residences/Assisted Senior Apartments – These are residential facilities that provide full or part-time services such as nursing, health care, and social activities. They may also provide day care for the elderly.
Affordable housing for the aged does not necessarily mean affordable housing costs will be low. “Affordable housing” simply refers to low-cost versus market value in a given area.
Seniors often rely on funding from government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to pay their basic needs such as food and shelter. Other sources of financial assistance include Social Security income benefits and support services provided by non-profit organizations like the National Council of Aging (NCOA).
Affordable housing for the elderly requires a variety of services to make it possible, including transportation services and programs such as Meals on Wheels. Also, many senior citizens are not able to take care of themselves without help from others. In order for them to live comfortably and independently in affordable housing, there needs to be assistance with activities that include housekeeping, meal preparation, line-cleaning and laundry assistance, medication reminders and reminders for doctor appointments.