Housing Options for the Older Adult
 By Miriam Zucker, LMSW, ACSW
Certified Geriatric Care Manager
New Rochelle, NY
As family members transition into the role of caregiver, they are often faced with the need to make decisions about the housing needs of a parent or relative. Depending on a variety of factors, the caregiver will make the decision in conjunction with a parent or independently. However this decision is made, the caregiver will need to take into consideration the needs, preferences and finances of the senior adult. Different geographical areas may use different terminology and be governed by particular licensure guidelines. Thechoices may be overwhelming to family members. To make the most appropriate choice, the caregiver may benefit from the guidance of a professional geriatric care manager who is well versed in housing options and is able to pair these housing resources with the individual needs of the older adult. (Video inset: NAPGCM President-Elect Linda Fodrini-Johnson comments on housing options.)
For those senior adults who are able to function without assistance, Independent living may be an appropriate choice. Such a residence provides the senior adult with an apartment, one to three meals a day, laundry and housekeeping services as well as an array of activities. Although a car can be kept on the premises, transportation is often provided within a certain radius.
Assisted living residences provide care for those individuals who cannot live independently but do not need the level of care provided by a nursing home. In addition to the services mentioned above, medication monitoring, assistance with dressing, showering and help getting to and from meals are part of assisted living. Often the level of care can be customized to meet the needs of the resident. This type of living arrangement is often housed under the same roof as the independent living facility but on a separate floor. On a smaller scale, there are Board and Care Homes (also called group homes). Such residences provide a room, meals and assistance with daily personal activities.
When it is determined that an older adult needs more medical care than is offered by an assisted living residence, the family caregiver would look to a nursing home to provide skilled care. Nurses are on the premises around the clock with aides to assist with a full spectrum of support services. The nursing home may have their own doctors or family caregivers can choose a doctor from a list provided by the nursing home.
Continuing Care Retirement communities provide a flow of care that incorporates the three types of housing outlined above. In such a scenario, the older adult would move into to the residence when he or she requires little or no help. As the needs of the person change, the retirement residence would provide a corresponding level of care allowing the person to remain at one location throughout their life. The person may need to move between rooms or apartments on the site however.
In making the choice for the appropriate residence, the family caregiver should gather as much information as possible. Many states have rating systems and licensure requirements for particular housing. The professional geriatric care manager can be helpful in accessing this vital information to ensure that an informed and responsible decision has been made.
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