Housing Options
Owning a home is a large responsibility that requires frequent up keeping and repair. For those individuals who want to remain living in their own home, light housekeeping, meal preparation and shopping can be arranged. But many older adults find the larger responsibilities of owning a home too much to handle. They want to remain living in their community, but in an environment that can support their individual interests, needs, and abilities.
If you or a family member are thinking about a change in lifestyle, call the Age Information Department at Elder Services at 1-800-892-0890. You can get information about different housing options, and assistance in securing the right option for you or your family member. Information is also available about home repair and maintenance, reverse mortgages, and estate protection assistance. For a general description of the housing options available in the Merrimack Valley, click here.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living combines private apartment style living with assistance available for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or grooming. Certified professional staff on- site provide 24 hour monitoring and support to residents. Assisted living facilities must be certified by the state of Massachusetts.
Congregate Housing
Some folks do not require 24 hour care but cannot live alone. They need affordable, private housing that also provides opportunities for socialization and companionship. For these individuals, congregate living arrangements may be ideal.
Congregate housing is designed so that each resident has a private bedroom, shared kitchen and dining facilities, with some sites offering a private ½ bath. These congregate living spaces are usually located within public housing facilities, and are affordable for people with limited incomes. A congregate coordinator helps the person move in, and assists with arranging services they may need. Services may include a homemaker, personal care attendant, adult day health services, social day care, a home health aide, laundry, shopping, and light housekeeping. A well balanced home style meal is standard, and provided to residents daily. Typically 30% of an individual’s income covers rent and utilities
Elder Housing
Managed by local housing authorities or private companies, adult housing complexes may offer public subsidies to eligible residents to assist with the cost of their rent. Supportive services may be arranged for individuals in need of assistance.
Group Adult Foster Care
This program is for Mass Health eligible elders who live in housing and need help with personal care and other daily activities. Services are provided by a team of personal care homemakers assigned to the housing unit. Regular meetings with social workers, nurses, and housing management helps to insure each resident’s unique and changing needs are met.
Rest Homes and Nursing Homes
When an elder or disabled individual is no longer able to remain at home alone or requires 24-hour medical care or supervision, a nursing home or rest home is an option you may choose. Nursing homes are primarily for people who need care or nursing supervision on a long term basis. These long-term care facilities are licensed by the state, and provide skilled nursing and related medical services around the clock. Nursing home residents must have one or more health diagnoses requiring daily care. The costs for this type of care are over $30,000 annually and can come from many sources: private payments, insurance plans, Mass Health and sometimes Medicare. For a list of nursing homes and rest homes established in the Merrimack Valley, click here. Information is also available by calling the Age Information Department at 1-988-892-0890.
Supportive Housing
A “coordinator” establishes services that helps enrich the living environment for residents. Some services are geared to individuals, while others serve the general population such as planting community gardens or hairdressing services. The coordinator is housed on site to insure easy access for residents seeking assistance and individual attention.