Senior
housing is a good option for people who want to live on their own, but
don't want to deal with the responsibilities of having a home. It's
also a great choice for people who want to live in a community with
other seniors.
Depending on the community, a person can
rent an apartment either at the market rate or if his or her income
level applies, a lower rate. These apartments are often designed with
seniors in mind. For example, there may be railings in bathrooms or
power outlets higher up on the wall. Many communities also offer a
24-hour emergency call service if a resident needs help right away.
Some places may also provide different kinds of services to the people
who live there including meals, transportation, social activities and
other programs.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds several rental assistance programs for seniors who qualify. These programs include:
Public housing,
or low-income housing that is owned and operated by a local housing
authority. To apply for public housing or Section 8 certificates or
vouchers, you must go to your housing authority. Each housing authority
has a system for accepting applications. Their representatives can
explain their system and how to find an available apartment.
HUD's Section 202 program
includes apartments where the government provides subsidies directly to
owners of qualified properties developed with loans or grants from the
federal government. The owners pass along the federal rental assistance
subsidy to qualified residents to cover the gap between the resident
payment, generally 30 percent of adjusted income, and rent costs. To
apply for housing in a privately-owned affordable housing community, a
person will have to visit the management office for each community.
Contact your local HUD office to get a list of privately-owned communities near you.