The surge in the elderly population, not only in the United States but globally, has strained existing housing options for seniors worldwide. Moreover, many seniors are looking for alternatives to traditional nursing homes as they transition from their own residences. The attorneys at Eghrari Law Firm explain some of the revolutionary approaches to housing the nation’s seniors that have evolved because of both the shortage in housing and the demand for alternatives to traditional nursing homes.
The Challenge: Housing Seniors
The demographic shift in the United States highlights a significant trend: the elderly population aged 65 and above has grown nearly five times faster than the overall population from 1920 to 2020, according to the 2020 Census. In that year, the elderly population reached 55.8 million, comprising 16.8 percent of the nation’s total population. This substantial increase in the elderly demographic has led to a housing dilemma, leaving seniors facing a shortage of affordable, accessible housing with essential amenities like medical care. The good news is that revolutionary housing solutions that provide seniors with dignity, security, and necessary resources are popping up around the world as well as throughout the United States.
Revolutionary Approaches for Seniors
Traditional retirement communities and nursing homes have historically been the only options available to seniors who can no longer live alone or with family. Unfortunately, seniors who do not need extensive assistance find that retirement communities do not provide adequate social interaction and mental stimulation. Conversely, seniors who do need extensive assistance feel that traditional nursing homes lack the warmth and compassion they also need. Considering both the need for senior housing and the desire for alternative options, a few revolutionary approaches have opened and are succeeding, including:
- Dementia Villages. Hogewyk Dementia Village, the first of its kind, was started in Amsterdam around the turn of the century by nurses who wanted a safer alternative for their parents who suffered from memory issues. Since then, several countries worldwide, including the U.S., have adopted this housing model. In Hogeweyk Dementia Village, residents can live seemingly normal lives, but are constantly under supervision by caregivers. There are almost twice as many caregivers as residents in the village, and they staff everything from the shop to the hair salon. For the safety of residents, there’s only one way in and out of Hogeweky – a locked door that’s under 24-hour surveillance. If a resident approaches this door, a caretaker may tell them this door is locked and suggest they look for a different door. Residents can freely roam around, visit shops, get their hair done and take part in any of the 25 clubs available at Hogeweyk.
- The Green House Project. The Green House Project is one of the most well-known nonprofit organizations leading the charge to reimagine housing options and improve quality of life for seniors. The Green House Project serves seniors and their families and was founded on the belief that everyone has the right to age with dignity. The organization has built 400 homes across the United States over the past 17 years. Green House homes operate efficiently to care for older people. Some of the available services include: Each home is private, with easy access to the outdoors. The homes are self-contained, and each resident has a private room and bathroom. The homes create a community of seniors who can connect and create friends. The Green House team is comprised of experts in the fields of aging services, business and finance, communications, marketing, and healthcare.
- University-Based Retirement Communities. These are essentially a retirement community with a twist, offering seniors over 55 primary access to advanced educational opportunities. These communities are created by universities including Duke University, Stanford University, Dartmouth College, and several other top American colleges. Most university retirement communities in the US are CCRC’s, or continuing care retirement communities. In a CCRC a senior can transition to housing based on their current level of care while staying in the community. For example, a continuing care retirement community may include an independent living facility along with an assisted living unit and a nursing home. In addition to receiving free and discounted classes, university retirement communities offer amenities such as social activities, health resources, transportation services, access to university facilities, and dining services.
Do You Have Elder Law Questions or Concerns?
For more information, please join us for a FREE estate planning seminar. If you have additional questions about senior housing or other elder law issues, contact the Long Island elder law attorneys at Eghrari Law Firm by calling us at 631-265-0599 to schedule your appointment.
Why You Need More than Just Reciprocal Wills in Your Estate Plans
See Larger Map
Get Directions