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Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,305
Registered: ‎06-08-2016

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

I can no longer take care of my home and I'm ready for something smaller.   

DD has suggested I consider the senior apartments.   No pets allowed but I'm also ready to move on from that stage of my life too.

 

Like mentioned earlier in this thread the communities are going up like gangbusters but you have to apply & qualify.   

 

I can understand homeowners not be allowed to build on a senior suite.   I own property in a very cozy community but it's turning into a fleet of McMansions.   The charm is gone and the traffic is dreadful.  Most have found loopholes to the "single family only" zoning.

 

As little s 5 years ago I would have been mortified to even consider senior housing, but I'm getting ready.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,629
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

I can't speak for where you live but here  there are rent subsidized 55 plus apartment complexes for income eligible people.  There are waiting lists.  There are also over 55 "active adults" apartment communities with every amenity you can think of.  They are super expensive.  But there's nothing like that for middle class people.  Their only option is to rent a regular apartment.  My friend and I were researching this all summer for her 77 year old mom who sold her home and is living with my friend but really wants her own place.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,629
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen


@ThinkingOutLoud wrote:

Honestly, with where things are headed, I think people need to start having conversations with their families and the need to share housing and start planning for it. Affordable housing for younger couples is a challenge in places and the older set could benefit from the companionship and a bit of help as they age.

 

True.  That's what we are doing with my nephew and his wife.  They have an 8 year old.  They have been living with us since before Covid.  The original plan was for them to pay off credit cards, save for an apartment and move.  But 2 bedroom apartments here are $2000 plus.  Even in bad areas.  They make too much for rent subsidies.  He's always been like a son to us and we're close so we have agreed that hubby and I will buy a larger house with room for all of us to be comfortable.  A yard.   They will do the yard work and housework and be there for us as we age and the house will be there's when we pass.  Our girls have their own homes that we helped them buy.  It will be a win-win situation all around.  Now we just have to find the right house!  


 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,258
Registered: ‎10-07-2013

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

There is Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.  You sound like you're looking for Independent Living; that's what you should key on.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,271
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

This entire thread would be more meaningful to all readers if posters would routinely include at least their state ( $200000 in CA t won't buy anything, anywhere in the state; I don't think that's the case in the Midwest, for example).

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,658
Registered: ‎05-21-2010

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

Where I live in a fairly rural area of North Georgia these communities are called active adult communities.  They are for 55 and older. Most however are homes not rental properties.

 

My mother did live in one of these apartment communities. There was a large apartment building with studio apartments as well as 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. In addition on the property there were independent cottages with 2 bedrooms just like regular apartments. You have to do your research to find these.

Super Contributor
Posts: 344
Registered: ‎08-06-2014

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

Yrs, I am also thinking overr living options. I presently live in 55+ housing development but I need to consider another change.
I am widow as of this year. and my health is no longer keeping me secure to live alone.
I am considering Apartment Homes
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,447
Registered: ‎05-01-2020

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen


@chrystaltree wrote:

@ThinkingOutLoud wrote:

Honestly, with where things are headed, I think people need to start having conversations with their families and the need to share housing and start planning for it. Affordable housing for younger couples is a challenge in places and the older set could benefit from the companionship and a bit of help as they age.

 

True.  That's what we are doing with my nephew and his wife.  They have an 8 year old.  They have been living with us since before Covid.  The original plan was for them to pay off credit cards, save for an apartment and move.  But 2 bedroom apartments here are $2000 plus.  Even in bad areas.  They make too much for rent subsidies.  He's always been like a son to us and we're close so we have agreed that hubby and I will buy a larger house with room for all of us to be comfortable.  A yard.   They will do the yard work and housework and be there for us as we age and the house will be there's when we pass.  Our girls have their own homes that we helped them buy.  It will be a win-win situation all around.  Now we just have to find the right house!  


 


This is a great example of family helping family - the better way for society to function.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,245
Registered: ‎04-16-2010

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

[ Edited ]

I was pleasantly surprised to see this thread. My son and I were discussing my buying a townhouse, condo, or garden home in a 50+ adult community. Another option is to buy-in or rent an apartment in the same atmosphere. My son wants me to move up there so he actually looked at two "resort lifestyle retirement" communities, talked to the managers, etc. He asked me to drive up and have lunch in the beautiful dining area and tour the building. It was lovely.

 

The managers kept in touch by e-mail and invited me to several of their events. About six months later they invited me to come up and stay in their guest suite for the weekend. Omigosh, they treated me like a queen.They probably want me because I look young, healthy and happy.

 

The apartment I want is over four thousand dollars a month. It will be worth it to me since all utilities are included plus cable and internet: weekly vaccuming, dusting, cleaning bathroom, and kitchen. They have chefs, formal and casual dining, breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Snacks, sandwiches, fruit, soft serve ice cream, coffee and tea are available all day and night. They have happy hour on Friday night. I think they serve wine. People who want cocktails or mixed drinks have the server keep their personal liquor (they had bought) in a locked cabinet. Lots of other amenities. I was originally shocked when my son suggested it but now I want to try it.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,901
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Housing for Senior Citizen

@Silver Lining 

 

I moved to a 55+ apartment this year, in the independent living section.  It’s a continuing care community which is nice should I ever need to move to a different level of care.   

 

I’ve been very pleased and feel blessed to live here.  The prices seem high but as you noted they include a lot.  It’s wonderful not to have to worry about home maintenance and all that goes with it.  They take care of everything.  When you mentioned being treated like a queen, I feel that way every day.  The bottom line for me is no worries.  I’m a worrywart.  I can spend time doing things I enjoy.    

 

Best of luck to you.