By 2023, 73 million people in the US will be over the age of 65 years and by 2034 the US will be comprised of more older adults than children1. As you get older, many factors may affect where you live, including your health, your family or support network, and your financial situation. It is important to know what choices are available so you can make a decision that works for you and your loved ones.
This section of Living Options covers the following:
Living With Family, Friends, or Loved Ones
Congregate Housing/Retirement Communities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Important Information for People With Bleeding Disorders
Aging in Place
Aging in Place means growing older in your own home. Applicable at any age, this is an option for those wanting to stay close to their neighbors, local businesses, health care services, and other faith based, social, and volunteer activities. Changes to the home can help make daily living easier and safer for people with physical limitations. There are also many organizations that can come into your home (usually for a cost) to help with outdoor home care, meal preparation, cleaning, shopping, and even bathing and dressing if needed.
If you want more information about home adaptations, please go to Functional Activity Limitations.
Many towns, cities, and rural areas are making efforts to create age-friendly livable communities with safe, walkable streets, appropriate housing and transportation options, access to needed services, and opportunities for all older adults to participate in community life. The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) has created focus areas and provides designations to those communities to fulfill these.
Domains of Livability by the AARP:
- Housing
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation
- Health Services
- Communication and information
- Civic participation and employment
- Respect and social inclusion
- Social participation
If you want more information about Aging in Place, please go to AARP Livable Communities - Information and Inspiration for Local Leaders
Active Adult Communities
Active adult communities are good options for people who are independent, need little to no assistance, and enjoy being with others of similar age. Also called an independent living community, this type of housing often has an age limit (usually 55 years or older). The community typically has apartments, single-family homes, and townhouses, which can be rented or purchased. Frequently, prices are below local market value. All buildings are designed for people with limited mobility. Active adult communities may have clubhouses, golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools and provide opportunities to connect with others.
Home Sharing
One option is to rent a room in your home, for example to a college student or young single person. A renter might be able to help with home maintenance, cooking, and cleaning in exchange for a reduced rate. Renting a room in the home can also be a source of income.
Another option includes several older adults combining their resources and renting or purchasing a home. They live together, share all costs, and support each other.
If you want more information about home sharing, please go to National Shared Housing Resource Center
Living With Family, Friends, or Loved Ones
Moving into a loved one’s home or separate structure owned by family, friends, or loved ones may be a way to share housing costs and receive some support. A loved one might also choose to move into your home and take on the role of caregiver. In either case, changes to the home may be needed to make it accessible for people with physical limitations.
If you want more information about home adaptations, please go to Functional Activity Limitations.
Congregate Housing/Retirement Communities
This is a good option for older people who are still mobile and independent but would like some assistance with daily activities. People have their own apartments but join other residents for meals, games, and other social activities. Housekeeping and transportation may also be available.
Assisted Living Residences
Assisted living facilities are designed for people who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as cooking or bathing, but do not require significant medical care. They often provide private or semiprivate bedrooms and bathrooms, but all other areas are shared between the residents. The services provided vary greatly, but can include bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, and transportation.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities offer service and housing packages that allow access to independent living, assisted living, and nursing home facilities all on one campus. A resident might start out living independently and transition to assisted living when more help is needed with daily activities. Residents can move into the nursing home if they need more ongoing medical care.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes offer a high level of medical care and are designed for people who require long-term 24-hours support. Services include medical and personal care as well as specialized meals. Nursing homes have health care providers on staff, although they may work out of their off-site office. Nursing assistants perform most of the day-to-day care. Speech, occupational, and physical therapists may be available.
Memory Care Facilities
Memory Care Facilities are designed for people with dementia and are often integrated into Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities. While they provide similar services, they also have more supervision and additional security features to assure the residents’ safety. The staff is specifically trained to care for people with dementia and the facilities are designed to make people feel more at ease.
Hospice
Hospice care is provided to people with terminal illnesses and focuses on making a person’s life as comfortable as possible, for example through pain management. In addition to medical care, this will also include emotional and spiritual support. It can occur in the home or a nursing facility. Care will be provided by licensed and specifically trained medical staff. Many insurances will cover hospice care in the presence of a life-limiting illness.
Important Information for People with Bleeding Disorders
Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) offer short-term care and inpatient rehabilitative services for people recently discharged from a hospital. SNFs can help with recovery after surgery and ensure that any complications are managed. Previously, people with bleeding disorders were denied access because of concerns about the level of specialized care required and the high cost of medications. In 2020 the Hemophilia SNF Access Act was passed to rectify this issue.
If you want more information about the Hemophilia SNF Access Act, please go to NHF Applauds Implementation of the Hemophilia SNF Access Act | National Hemophilia Foundation
- AARP.(2023). Livable Communities are Age-Friendly. https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/about/