Alternative Care Communities for Seniors

Over the last several decades, the population of seniors in the United States – and worldwide – has grown significantly and experts predict it will continue to grow at a historic rate for the next several decades to come. Not only has the increase in the older population taxed existing long-term care systems in the U.S. and abroad, but many seniors want options other than a traditional nursing home. With all of that in mind, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss alternative care communities for seniors.

Housing America’s Seniors

The U.S. population age 65 and over grew nearly five times faster than the total population over the 100 years from 1920 to 2020, according to the 2020 Census. In 2020, the older population reached 55.8 million, representing 16.8 percent of the total population of the United States. The dramatic increase in the older population has created a housing crisis of sorts, leaving seniors with a lack of affordable, accessible housing with access to medical care and other services. Fortunately, there are creative alternative options popping up around the globe to address the senior housing issue and that provide seniors with the care, protection, and resources needed to age safely and peacefully.

Alternative Communities for Seniors

Until recently, traditional retirement communities and nursing homes were the only options available to seniors. For seniors who do not need extensive assistance, retirement communities often lack the mental and social stimulation they still crave. For seniors who need around-the-clock care, nursing homes often feel like “the place old people are sent before they pass away.” Fortunately, alternative communities for seniors are taking root and thriving, such as:

• 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.
• 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.