Alternative Housing

Retirement communities offer a wide range of activities, services, and events geared toward active older adults.

The following are just a few reasons that might lead to a change in how and where a person lives.

• You're ready to leave the yard work behind so you can concentrate on your golf game.
• You live alone and household chores and other responsibilities are becoming more difficult to manage on your own.
• You've recently suffered a bad fall and can no longer climb the stairs to your bedroom.
• Your mother or father has dementia and can't live alone, and you are unable to care for her in your home.
• Your parent has a health problem that requires ongoing medical care.

Shared Housing One type of shared housing is to bring in a roommate who can help with light chores or other services in return for reduced rent. This can be especially attractive for people living near colleges or universities. Another arrangement might include two or more unrelated older adults sharing a home, chores, and possibly other agreed-upon services. There are agencies that can match seniors with shared housing information and contacts. Retirement Communities These can be seniors-only buildings, neighborhoods, or whole communities. They usually include a wide range of activities, services, and events geared toward active older adults. Many offer trips, golf and fitness activities, entertainment, classes, clubs, and different interest groups. Some also offer graduated levels of care, if and when it's needed. Those that do are considered to be continuing care retirement communities. "Seniors Only" Apartments Some older adults sell their homes and use the equity to support their lifestyle and health care needs. These kinds of apartment complexes can offer added security for those who no longer want to live alone in their home, and they also can provide a variety of outings, entertainment, clubs, and services. In-law Apartments Some families build or have in-law units on their property where family members can live independently but still be close by in case of emergency.

Assisted Living and Residential Care These can include separate apartments in a complex where people who need some daily assistance receive personal help, meals, and housework but are otherwise independent. Board and care homes also offer assisted living. Usually these are homes in residential neighborhoods where 4 to 10 residents needing some non-skilled care live together in a home setting. The home care workers in these facilities may live in the home, or there may be several workers who rotate throughout the day and evening. Home Care and Home Health Services Local agencies can provide a range of home care and home health services from help with light housekeeping, chores, and bathing to help with short-term medical or rehabilitation needs. Some of this work requires that the workers be licensed by the state. Medicare pays only for some specific types of home care. Skilled Nursing Facilities People needing skilled nursing assistance like intravenous medications or rehabilitation following an operation may need to spend time in this type of facility. This kind of care is often available in other settings, too. Nursing Homes For some people, living at home or in another semi-independent setting may no longer be possible. A nursing home may be appropriate if someone needs ongoing assistance with eating, hygiene, and medications. You can find additional information about long-term care options and insurance at Medicare.gov.