Housing Options for Seniors

 A great resource for those who are retiring and are thinking of changing where they live is a resource called the Housing Options for Seniors. This publication was produced by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and written by Holly Robinson, Associate Staff Director at the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging. AARP also supported this project by participating in the review process and with printing and distribution support.

What I like about this report is that not only does it review the various options it lists a series of questions to help a person move toward a decision. 

For example, the following questions are for those considering the housing options covered in this booklet, it is important that they ask themselves these general questions:

·        What kind of lifestyle do I want?

§  What will my living conditions be like?

·        How important is my choice of location?

§   How close would I like to be to family and friends, doctors, pharmacies, other medical facilities, shopping, senior centers, religious facilities, and other amenities?

·        Does my current health status require that I look for features that will help me move about more comfortably?

·        How much will the housing option cost?

·        What, if any, in-home support services will I receive for my money?

·        Am I eligible for any publicly funded or subsidized services, such as Medicare or Medicaid?

·        What in-home support services are available now, and in the future, to meet my health and social needs?

·        Have I involved family members and friends in my decision-making, as appropriate?

·        What role will others have in making these decisions?

·        Would it be advisable for me to talk with an attorney so that I understand my rights and any legal concerns?

The booklet also offers resources

Key Resources

■ Eldercare Locator 800.677.1116 www.eldercare.gov

The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community and a free service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.

■ American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging 202.662.8690 www.abanet.org/aging/resources/statemap.shtml

The Commission is dedicated to strengthening and securing the legal rights, dignity, autonomy, quality of life and quality of care of elders