Community-Based Senior Facilities

The first place to start looking for senior community housing choices would be at your DHSS, the Department of Health and Senior Services. Also, check with your own county Area Agency on Aging.

But many families find that what is called a mother-in-law suite, or accessory apartment, suits them the best. This is when the elderly person lives independently but close at hand to the family separate, distinct quarters that have a dedicated bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and sometimes living room. These quarters can be part of the main dwelling or adjacent to it. (This worked well for my aunt’s mother for many years, who lived in an apartment over the garage to the rear of the main house.)

The next best thing would be adult family care (ACC). This is where the senior would move into the home of an adult caretaker, and that home is usually approved by a sponsoring agency. There the senior would have a private room but share the kitchen and bathroom(s) with the rest of the family. The caretaker family would not necessarily, but could be, related to the senior.

Then there adult retirement communities, generally for those over age 55, who are able to live independently. They usually purchase a home, condo, or apartment and pay a monthly fee for outside maintenance. Some facilities have recreational features, such as swimming pool, health/workout rooms, game rooms, dining rooms, beauty shops, transportation services, etc. And there is usually a wellness center with a part-time nurse for minor issues. Organized activities are usually featured as well.

Next comes affordable, or subsidized, community-based housing. Under these programs, some state and some federal (HUD), seniors can sometimes purchase housing that fits their budgets, or they can rent apartments where they will pay just 30% of their monthly income in rent.

Assisted living homes is another choice, but the cost may be prohibitive to many. These homes must be licensed, and, typically, they provide an unfurnished or semi-furnished room with private bath and kitchenette, although most of these homes also provide three meals a day and assistance with bathing/showering. Vacuuming and light housekeeping is also furnished if needed. They also provide 24-hour security and some social activities. Assistance is there as well for medication, if needed.

Comprehensive Personal Care Homes (CPCH) are licensed facilities where the proprietor manages four or more adults, with the seniors most of the time sharing a bedroom and bathroom, two to a bedroom. There are generally some limited assisted living services and sometimes even 24-hour extensive nursing services. The objective of CPCHs is to provide the care that seniors need in a home-like atmosphere.

ELDER COTTAGE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES. This is something relatively new on the scene. An ECHO is a temporary structure designed for removal when no longer necessary. It is designed to meet the needs of seniors and/or those with diabilities, and is put on either a slab or a treated wood foundation in the yard of the family home. This allows the senior to live independently but still be close to their loved ones. The units usually consist of living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. A really neat thing is they can be designed to look as if they were built as part of the main house design, as any other matching outbuilding. Also, the utilities for the ECHO unit are connected right to those of the main house, most convenient.

While there are some builders who specialize in ECHO units, still zoning changes might be required in certain. residential neighborhoods. And ECHOs can leased or purchased, as well.