"Housing, where a person lives is a primary key to his or her quality of life" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 259). As we've learned, there are many keys and factors that influence our health and happiness as we age; living arrangements is, perhaps, one of the most important ones. Financial status, as well as personal capabilities, desires, and needs can affect this decision for housing and care as we reach older age. Unfortunately, we're seeing many elderly people living in undesirable homes and communities because often times it's all they can afford.
As we've learned in weeks leading up to this chapter, there are dozens of outlets to find helpful information on living arrangements, financial help, and people available around the clock to provide assistance in doing so. With multiple information facets, more housing options are becoming available to seniors depending on their individual circumstance. Hillier and Barrow (2011) discuss the types of housing and how they range from independent to dependent on a continuous scale. Many older people live in retirement communities, where the residents have aged over the years; often times living conditions such as these are able to receive assistance from volunteer programs in the area (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).
Other options available aside from remaining in a retirement community include, other adult communities, retirement cities, granny units, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). As we learned in this chapter, there are pros and cons to each living arrangement. The main factors to consider are which arrangement will most benefit the individual both physically and emotionally, as well as what each person can afford. As with anything else, the more money that is readily available, the more options one has to seek for the best care possible. Once the financial status is determined, the basic needs of the individual should be taken into account. For the elderly that need less assistance, granny units and assisted living facilities are options in which the individual is still able to receive some care and support, but is still rather self-sufficient (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). When full time care is needed, a nursing home is often the only realistic alternative; "People living in nursing homes generally require assistance in dressing, eating, toileting, and bathing (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 280). This chapter gave much needed information on the possibilities of elderly living arrangements and options, something the general public should be aware of for their own future well-being as well as that of their loved ones.
Hillier, S., & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, The individual, and Society. (9th ed.)(258-288). California: WADSWORTH
I agree Melissa, there are many resources for affordable housing for the low-income elderly. This chapter gives us plenty resources to refer back to for our clients. I am glad to know that there are so many. The fact that the retirement community is growing faster than the working community is a good fact to know so that maybe we can do something to help the future crisis. Very insightful post.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, as you mentioned in your post, the book has given us insight into a lot of information about housing options that are available for seniors as they age and need assistance. The book mentions living arrangements such as granny units which is like an apartment attached to a regular house which offers privacy but also allows for the individual to be close enough if they need help going to the store or to an appointment. Assisted living is another option when it comes to the elder generation. The arrangement gives the senior more help on a daily basis and they also do not have to cook and prepare their own meals. Assisted living is like sharing an apartment with a roommate but getting the help and care that you need. A nursing home is a more permanent place that is for seniors who cannot do as much physically and mentally.
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