As people grow older, finding affordable senior housing can be difficult. Older adults may pay a disproportionate amount of their monthly income on their housing costs, and the housing that they have might not meet their needs. Seniors may pay as much as 50 percent of their incomes on their housing costs when experts recommend that people should not spend any more than 25 percent. If your loved one is paying too much for his or her housing costs, the staff at Elder Care Direction can help you to find more affordable options.
Finding affordable senior housing
If your loved one has chronic health problems or limited mobility, it might be necessary for him or her to live in assisted living. Unfortunately, assisted living can be very expensive because of the high care needs of the residents. Services such as dementia or memory care may come at a high premium.
Affordable senior living options
If your loved one does not need assisted living or nursing home care, there are some options for senior living that might be more affordable.
Low-income apartments
There are low-income apartments specifically for seniors who are ages 50 and older. One provider is the Good Samaritan Society, which is a Lutheran organization that offers affordable housing for seniors. Your loved one does not have to be a member of the Lutheran church, but he or she will need to provide income proof.
Cooperative housing
Low-income senior citizens can also live in housing cooperatives in which they can save money by pitching in. This helps to make senior living cheaper by cutting the administrative costs.
HUD housing for senior citizens
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers low-income housing for seniors. It might be available in single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, or condos through the Section 8 program. Your loved one must apply through your local housing authority. There is a waiting list for this type of housing. However, those who do not have a safe place to live may be provided with immediate housing assistance.
Virtual retirement communities
Virtual retirement communities are a modern invention. They are programs that offer community outreach to give seniors a variety of different services. For example, this type of community might offer transportation, tree removal, group outings, or grocery shopping. Membership in virtual communities costs a low annual fee of around $400.
Adult foster care or adult family homes
Adult foster care or family homes are group settings of senior citizens who live together in a home-like environment. These facilities have to be licensed by the Department of Family Services. Senior residents are provided with their daily needs along with social activities, meals, and housing.
How to find affordable senior living
If your loved one needs low-income housing, start by contacting HUD. You will then be told how to apply. You can also search for other senior housing options by searching online. For help with locating affordable senior living options in your area, contact Elder Care Direction today to schedule a consultation.
