Ethan Sun
4 Corporate Plaza Dr., Ste.100 Newport Beach, CA 92660
Business: (714) 608-2148
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Senior Real Estate Specialist

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Needs-based Housing Options

Whether you are retired, headed for retirement, or have parents or loved ones with changing needs in housing, you may have questions regarding options and choices in domicile.

If you own your own home and are capable of caring for yourself, “aging in place” or staying in your own home safely, independently, and comfortably is the ideal and most preferred choice. You may, however, opt for other living accommodations as you experience special needs at some point in the future (AARP research reveals that 80% of the aging population require special needs).

This article highlights some of these options based on needs.

Seniors-only apartments

According to AARP statistics, about 20% of seniors are renters. They may rent due to a variety of reasons including diminishing financial ability, desire to relocate closer to family, freedom from chores, freedom to travel, etc.

Seniors-only apartments are suitable for those who can take care of themselves, are relatively healthy, and have sufficient funds to buy or rent the apartment. The apartments, rental or condo, are usually small and easy to maintain. They offer people of the same age and social opportunities, comfort, safety, and security, but no medical or custodial care. Apartments may be designed with assistive features such as shower seats, handrails, and emergency alert devices. They may include services such as recreational programs, transportation, and communal dining rooms.

Congregate living

This form of living offers private apartments, from studios to two-bedrooms. Congregate living offers a form of independent living with privacy, but with the advantage of custodial care. Different regions of the country know congregate living as residential care or support housing retirement residences.

Medical care is generally not available, although staff may assist residents with self-medication. Features usually include common social areas and communal meals if desired. Congregate facilities may have entry criteria for age and abilities and set forth rules on when a resident must transfer from the facility. The advantage is that it provides privacy and independence along with round-the-clock supervision.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is an intermediate step between independent living and care facilities. Assisted-living facilities provide a residence for those who need help with daily activities such as cooking, housekeeping, and transportation as well as personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating. These types of facilities are best suited for those who cannot live on their own and are ambulatory, but do not need nursing care. Living arrangements are usually single or double room, which offers more privacy than a nursing home environment, but less than congregate housing. Assisted –living facilities should be expected to offer:

· Laundry services

· Transportation

· Personal care

· Housekeeping

· Shopping

· Exercise classes (usually seated)

· Help with medication

· Activities (social, religious, educational)

· Three meals daily with provisions for low-sodium, diabetic, and heart-healthy menus

Payment for assisted living is usually out of pocket. Medicare does not cover the expense.

Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)

Continuing care retirement community ((CCRCs) provide increasing levels of care at one location as the needs of the resident change. CCRCs can be in high-rise apartments, condos, planned unit developments, or co-ops. The resident may have an ownership interest as part of the buy-in entrance fee. It provides the choice of moving between the housing environment and degrees of service within one community as well as the security of being taken care of through stages of aging. Residents can make friends while still active and fully cognizant and maintain those relationships as their health status changes. They do not have to start over to reestablish friendships in a new facility. CCRCs offer multiple levels of care without the uncertainty of wondering where to live in the future. The stages and types of housing available in CCRCs are:

· Independent living units, ranging from apartments to cottages

· Assisted-living units, usually apartments and sometimes with kitchenette facilities, and assistance with daily living

· Nursing home facilities, usually one-room units with shared bathrooms; skilled nursing care is provided

The main downside of these facilities is the cost; they are generally not for the budget conscious. Also, there is no way to predict what might be needed in the future. For example, what if there is no dementia facility and one spouse develops Alzheimer’s while the other remains active?

Nursing homes

Also known as health care and extended care facilities, nursing homes provide personal care and medical care around the clock. They are staffed by registered nurses, practical nurses, and nurses’ aids. They can be freestanding or part of a CCRC. There are two categories of residents:

· Short-term residents recovering from surgery, illness, or needing physical therapy

· Long-term residents who cannot care for themselves or need medical or extensive custodial care that an assisted living facility cannot provide

Most of these facilities offer a combination of private and semi-private rooms, and shared bathrooms, either with roommates or between two private rooms. Unlike assisted living, nursing and skilled nursing homes treat patients medically.

The range of quality is vast for these facilities. Anyone considering a nursing home for a relative’s long-term care should evaluate the facility against several checklists, visit the facility unannounced, and ask lots of questions. On the positive side, nursing homes in most states must meet regulations and be open for regular inspection. They fulfill a need and many are operated by kind, caring, cheerful staff.

Exerpts from: Senior Real Estate Specialist (student manual)