Aging and the Community Living and Care Facilities I

Vocabulary Homeowner- one who has taken out a mortgage in order to pay for a piece of property Mortgage- a specific loan from the bank that goes against a piece of property H.U.D.- a division of the government devoted to assisting those who cannot afford to pay for where they live Renter- one who lives in a space owned by the Landlord and pays to use this space, usually monthly Home Health Services- a team of health care workers that come to your home to assist you with daily life Retirement Community- a “mini city” constructed specifically to meet the needs of the elderly population

Geographic Distribution Only about 7% of the nation’s elderly live in institutions. The other 93%: – Still at home with spouse – At home alone – Living with a relative Those staying at home tend to seek out the following: – Rural Areas “Set in their ways” – Metropolitan Areas Suburbs are safer, yet still in close proximity to City doctors, etc. – Warm Climates “Cold Blooded”

Home Ownership Those still living with their spouse take great pride in owning their own home. – ¾ of elderly men still live with their spouse – 1/3 of elderly women The house is one of their biggest assets when preparing a will. – Often is the house where they raised their family. Is no longer appropriate for their needs Too large and too expensive for them to keep up

Condo Living Elderly couples can purchase a condo and gain ownership, but can leave behind the hassle of yardwork and utility bills. – Floor Plans are more easily accommodating – Less space inside to keep clean

Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.) Provides assistance to both homeowners and renters. Homeowners: – Mortgage insurance Finance home purchases, loans, and grants for restoration Renters: – Rent-Supplement Portion of rent is subsidized – Money given to housing authorities Construct low-rent public housing for elderly Wait Lists are long, may not meet all of the elderly’s needs

Home Health Services For recovering patients, or physically homebound patients Work that needs to be done outside of the hospital – Housekeeping chores – Shopping – Meal Delivery – Personal Care – Professional Medical Attention Each patient will have a “Home Health Team” – Aide carries out personal care duties under supervision of Dr. or RN

Retirement Communities A (gated) community of apartments that offer a lifestyle designed specifically for elderly people. – Restrictions on age Typically 55+ – Recreational Facilities – Health Services – Shopping Centers – Churches There are usually different types of apartments/floor plans available, so the renter can choose the one most suitable.

The Grand Victorian- Washington, IL Worship Services, Dental Services, Recreational Services all On-Site

Retirement Community Pros and Cons PROS - Convenience of Facilities - No Maintenance - Opportunity to make new friends - Away from commotion of City CONS - Change is difficult - No companionship with other generations - Miss the security of family - “Waiting on the next one to die”

Review Why do more men than women live with their spouses during their later years? – Women live longer, so they are more likely to live alone Why have elderly people started buying property in suburbs after retirement? – Safer than the city, but still in close proximity to doctors, shopping, etc.

Review What is the difference between a homeowner and a renter? – A homeowner has a mortgage against his/her property. A renter does not own the space they live in, they pay a landlord to use it. In what 2 ways does H.U.D. assist elderly renters? – Rent Supplement and Housing Development

Review On a Home Healthcare Team, who carries out personal care duties, and who performs health care duties? – An aide, and a Doctor or Registered Nurse What are the pros and cons of living in a Retirement Community?