According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans 65 years and older will rise from 35 million in 2000 to more than 73 million in 2030. Take control of your retirement future now. Begin your aging in place planning early. Research and understand the broad array of senior housing options available to your loved ones (and to you).

 

What kinds of living options are available to us as we age? What options should we consider for our aging loved ones? The choices available will depend on your resources, the type of care that’s needed (if any), and the location that care will be provided. Learn more in our glossary of care.

 

Caregiver Resources

• Government funding

  • Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease 

  • Medicaid is a jointly funded Federal-State health insurance program for low-income and needy people. It covers children, the aged, blind or disabled and others who are eligible to receive federally-assisted income maintenance payments.

• Long-term insurance is an insurance product that helps pay for the cost of long-term care. Long-term care insurance covers care generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

• Private assets cash and investments

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Aging in Place In Your Home

• Independent living – for aging adults who are able to live on their own in an apartment or house and have options to remodel or modify according to their needs.

• Skilled nursing - 24-hour supervision by skilled nurses

• Hospice and/or palliative care – end-of-life support at home or at a special care facility

 

Life-style Housing

• Co-housing – sharing a home with family member or a group of individuals

• Active adult community - housing restricted to individuals 55 and older

 

Service Enriched Home Living 

• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s) (also called Life Care Communities) offer all levels of care: from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing in one location. Residents typically enter a CCRC living independently, then access services if/when they are needed. Depending on the community, a spectrum of health, wellness, social and lifelong learning programs may also be offered.

• Assisted living communities provide residents with support of their activities of daily living. This includes personal care/hygiene, medication, meals, laundry and transportation. The communities also offer social activities.

• Nursing or rehabilitation facilities provide 24-hour care and supervision by skilled nurses. Patients may enter a nursing/rehab center after receiving care in a hospital, then transition back to their home or an assisted living facility.

• Hospice or palliative care includes end-of-life medical, pain management and counseling support for both the individual and his/her family. Services may be provided in the home or at a hospice facility.