Senior housing options vary by ability, health

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As parents and other older relatives age, you may find yourself thinking about their living situations. Or they may ask for your advice or help.

For most elders, the decision to move is a difficult one, and shopping for housing can be confusing.

To move or not to move

Decisions about whether to move from a house are influenced by finances, physical condition and safety factors. The goal is to determine the best possible living arrangement for an elder. Keep in mind, however, that a decision does not have to be considered final or binding. Depending on the changing needs of the elder, more than one move may be necessary over the years.

Consider the possible pros and cons of staying at home. The pros are that memories are at the home. The older person may have built his or her life there, and perhaps raised a family there. The old neighborhood is familiar and represents independence and privacy. Also, there may be no mortgage payment.

The cons of staying put might be that the house is too large or maintenance is too costly. The house may have stairs or other structural factors that present problems for the older individual. There might be isolation, limited social interaction, dependence on others, depression or malnutrition. Also, there is less security living alone.

Financial assistance

When an elder wants to stay at home but has trouble meeting living expenses, paying property taxes, and/or affording home maintenance and repairs, there are some resources that can help if they are homeowners.

Options differ by state and are influenced by factors such as location of residence, age of the elder and value of the home. Available options might be property tax abatement, publicly funded programs for paying property taxes, home repairs, utility assistance and reverse mortgages.

Should mom move in with you?

This is a complex decision. What does your own family think? As you evaluate the possibility of having a parent move in with you, consider these factors:

What is most important to you, your family or housemate? Is it privacy, giving needed help or companionship?

Review physical considerations. For example, is there enough space at your house? Are there stairs? Do you live in the city, and mom loves the country? Is the climate suitable? Is transportation available?

Review the financial implications. Can you afford it? Will there be continuing financial responsibilities to the old house? Will mom contribute to expenses? Will mom's entitlements be affected?

Review the social significance. Will mom miss the old neighborhood? Will you have to be her best pal and companion?

Before making a final decision, have mom or dad visit for an extended period of time. This arrangement will provide a trial period without a lot of pressure.

Issues to assess

Even if an elder is willing to move, a change of location requires careful thought. A knowledge of the physical, psychological and social changes associated with the aging process helps determine the proper living environment for the elder to provide a greater quality of life. Considerations include:

The functional ability of the elder to perform regular activities of daily living.

The physical/structural characteristics of the new location. Are there stairs to climb? Is there a yard to maintain? Are there laundry facilities?

The neighborhood. Is it safe? Is there a possible support system? Are there nearby amenities?

Common options

There are plenty of options for elders who decide to move or who cannot continue living independently.

Accessory apartments, which are apartments built into an existing single-family dwelling, are appropriate for elders who can live in their own homes but no longer need space or who need additional income to maintain their homes. This option may be limited by local zoning.

Home-sharing, an arrangement in which two elderly people share a home, is an option for elders who wish to remain in their own homes. Home sharing can affect some government benefit allocations because of increased household income.

Echo housing, a temporary, self-contained dwelling unit located in a back yard of an adult child's home, is an option that allows for the privacy of both the elder and other family members.

Senior citizen apartment buildings, developed by local towns and governments to meet the needs of older citizens on fixed incomes, provide access to community agencies, but services such as transportation are limited.

Retirement communities typically have independent living apartments, an assisted living unit and nursing-home assistance. They are designed for the independent elderly who want to share a lifestyle with others their age. Fees may vary a great deal.

Continuing care retirement communities offer appropriate living conditions and care to meet residents' needs as they change with age. Accommodations include all meals, recreation and housekeeping, and fees may include a sizable entrance fee and monthly fees.

Assisted living facilities, licensed facilities that provide meals, housekeeping and social programs, as well as 24-hour oversight and medication assistance, often have policies about who can enter and remain, often linked to health status.

Nursing homes, which are licensed facilities that provide a full-range of care and medical services to those who are recovering from hospitalization or suffering from chronic illness or dementia, are for individuals who, for whatever reason, cannot live independently at home.