Housing Alternatives for Seniors

A senior's level of independence will influence her choice of housing.senior image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com

A senior's motivation for finding new housing can stem from a desire or inability to continue maintaining his current place of residence. The senior may require daily living assistance, or is anticipating a time when such a need will arise. The senior may simply want to move closer to family and friends, or relocate to an area where he can find companionship.

Fraternal Organization

For seniors who have been active members in good standing of a fraternal organization, the organization may offer a housing in senior communities. These senior communities allow seniors with similar interests to live together. In some situations, the senior turns over a significant percentage of his assets in exchange for a room, board and medical care. Often, the communities offer differing levels of care. For example, an Alzheimer's resident would typically reside at a medical facility within the community, not in general housing.

Assisted living facilities offer 24-hour room and board, with some support to residents. Residents may exhibit complete independence, or require extensive personal care to assist them in their daily living. Some of the facilities resemble hospitals, while others look like dorm rooms. In some situations, residents have roommates.

Adult foster care takes place in a residential setting, offering the senior 24-hour room and board, supervision and personal care. Seniors requiring some personal assistance, yet not extensive nursing or medical attention tend to function well in an adult foster care situation. Typically, an adult foster care facility requires licensing.

Senior apartments work well for independent seniors capable of living alone. Some complexes focus solely on seniors in lower income brackets. Ideally, the facility addressed the special needs of seniors, such as a need for additional security features and handicapped facilities. A senior apartment complex has a minimum age requirement for its residents, and must register with a state or local government entity as a senior apartment complex.

Retirement communities typically market themselves as resort communities for active senior residents, providing a secure, but appealing environment and a lively social life. They typically look for active seniors, offering features like community golf and tennis. Retirement communities may not be practical for the senior on a limited budget.

Moving in with a family member, such as an adult child or sibling, constitutes a viable and sometimes preferable housing option for many seniors. When the senior is still active, she can make contributions to the household, such as assisting with childcare duties, housekeeping and contributing to the household budget. When the senior needs constant supervision, the family may wish to consider adult day care, similar to child day care. The senior goes to the day care facility during the daytime, and returns in the evening or afternoon to the family's home.