Housing Options for Older Adults

It’s important to learn about housing options for older adults because, for many of us, there comes a time when staying at home, particularly by ourselves, may no longer be the safe option.

Be sure to check out our FAQ page and scroll down to the section titled “Housing, Home Resources” for more information on this topic. Here you will find answers to such questions as: What are the different types of housing for older adults, like nursing home, assisted living, and others? What is assisted living? What is aging in place? What are the differences between assisted living, nursing home care, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities? What programs are available for homeless people? Where can I get assistance with home repair or modifications? Where can I get help with housekeeping? Also on our FAQ page is a section about “Adult Day Care” which may be a suitable option for those who can still manage their own personal care. Adult day care centers are designed to provide care and companionship for older adults who need assistance or supervision during the day.

Topic Quick Links – Click on a topic below to go to that area of the page.

• Modifications and Services that Allow Independent Living
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
• Assisted Living & Assisted Living Facilities
• Skilled Care Facilities
• Ombudsmen
• More Resources
• Resources for Caregivers

Modifications and Services that Allow Independent Living

There are many modifications that can be made in the residence to make it safer—removing trip and fall hazards, adding grab bars, adding a ramp, widening doorways to accommodate a walker to wheelchair, making sure there is adequate lighting. A home safety checklist can be very helpful.

There are also more and more providers of home services for the elderly. Unfortunately, most of these can be fairly expensive since you normally are paying by the hour or the day. And the level of skill required can also affect price. Having someone come in to clean and cook is different from having someone come in to help with activities of daily living such a bathing, dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed and toileting. Here is a non-profit resource for evaluating services: https://helpguide.org/elder/senior_services_living_home.htm

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

A CCRC is a retirement community that offers multiple levels of care (independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing) on one campus. This can be a good choice for a couple where one person needs more help than the other, but it also can be an expensive choice. Some CCRCs will guarantee placement for the remainder of a person’s life even if the person runs out of money.

With a CCRC, it is important to fully understand the terms of the contract you are signing, what is covered and what services are at additional cost. Several evaluation tools are available online, including a Guide sheet for Evaluating Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Questions to Consider When Evaluating Continuing Care Contracts.

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities are licensed facilities that provide supportive services while allowing seniors to maintain their independence. Assisted living facilities may vary in the level of care they provide. Type A facilities will accept residents who are able to evacuate the building unassisted in case of emergency. Type B facilities accept residents with more complex medical problems and may include services such as transfer assistance and incontinent care.

Special care facilities are also available for people with varying stages of dementia. These are generally locked units with assistance and activity programming designed for people with dementia. AARP offers an online Assisted Living Facility Evaluation Checklist that you can download and print. You can fill out one for each facility you visit then use that information to help make a decision.

Skilled Care Facilities

Skilled care facilities are licensed facilities that provide therapy services, nursing care and custodial care. Residents may be in a skilled care facility for respite, rehabilitation or long-term care. Skilled care facilities also often have special units for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.

Ombudsmen

Reviewed January 2023
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We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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