Elder Homelessness and Housing
Elders often have issues related to housing. They must decide whether to stay in their own homes or to move into a
community especially for elders. Medical needs, costs, and the needs of their spouses can influence this choice, as can the desires of their adult children and other caretakers. The huge selection of elder-specific housing options can be overwhelming. These options include:
- Retirement Communities/Independent Living – Usually have a minimum age restriction, creating a community of seniors living in private apartments or homes but with services and activities geared toward seniors. Such communities do not provide medical services.
- Assisted Living - Offers housekeeping and help with daily activities, and can help residents manage their health needs, but does not provide direct nursing care. Assisted Living facilities often provide meals and structured activity options for residents.
- Nursing Homes – Provides complete meal service and skilled nursing care, as well as social activities and various types of therapy.
- Memory Care services for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia are available in both Assisted Living and Nursing Home environments.
Additionally, some facilities offer multiple types of housing and care so that elders can stay in the same facility as their needs change. If one spouse’s health deteriorates more rapidly, such facilities may allow spouses to stay close to each other while ensuring that both get the level of care they need.
The costs of these various housing options can be significant. While insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid may cover some costs, the remaining cost can still be overwhelming. For seniors who cannot manage the cost of housing, there are federal and state subsidized options. In Massachusetts, the standard rent for subsidized elderly housing is 30% of the resident’s income and the state and federal government subsidizes the balance. However, there are often waiting lists for subsidized housing, leaving elders in a difficult position during the interim.
Elder homelessness is a significant problem. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that more than 250,000 homeless elders received emergency or transitional housing in 2008. Elders living on fixed incomes without sufficient support from friends or family may fall into homelessness if they can no longer afford housing. Additionally, dramatic events in family life may lead to homelessness. Examples of “’trigger events’…include widowhood, divorce, domestic violence, eviction and the declining health or death of the family member who cared for them.” (Hearth)
Check out this video from a senior center in Vancouver that explains some of the issues involved in elder homelessness.
Homeless adults tend to have a higher than average incidence of both physical and mental health problems than average, and their health needs are often not met. 13% of the participants in a survey performed by Hearth (a local organization that serves Elders who have been homeless or are at risk for becoming homeless) had Alzheimer’s disease or another kind of dementia. Additionally, 22% have schizophrenia. These issues can make it more difficult to find permanent housing, especially if they go untreated.
Additional Source:
http://www.hearth-home.org/media/hearth_research09.pdf
