Finding Local Housing

What to Look for in Senior Housing

• Good Senior Housing is Accessible.

It should be easy to live and maneuver in… especially as one ages. This eliminates future moves. Accessible homes

  1. have at least one stepless entry
  2. have wider doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers
  3. put all essentials – kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and laundry on one floor
  4. have an elevator if the apartment building is multi-storied

 

• Good Senior Housing is Safe.

It’s all about accident prevention. The things that make housing accessible also make it safe. If most of the essentials are there, safety and stability can be provided without remodeling by purchasing assistive equipment from homecare stores. Examples of this:

  1. grab bars in the bathroom
  2. bath bench and hand-held shower
  3. railings at all stairways
  4. railings along hallways in apartment buildings

 

• Good Senior Housing Does Not Isolate

Isolation can be harmful to older people. Location in the community can sometimes determine whether an older person has their needs met. Consider the neighborhood:

  1. Do the buses run there?
  2. If there is no transportation, how do non-drivers get around?
  3. Is there a grocery store nearby?
  4. Would groceries, pharmacies and others deliver there?
  5. Is the neighborhood considered “safe” (relatively crime-free)?

 

• Good Senior Housing is Affordable

  1. As in most things, money creates options.
  2. Find out how residents finance their stay. Sometimes there are more options than we know.
  3. Those with very limited resources should ask about subsidized housing, and about Title 19 (Medicaid) funds for nursing home and assisted living residents.