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Affordable Senior Housing – Types and Tips to Choose One

Affordable housing for seniors is a rental arrangement for those who have a low household income, might have retired, or struggle to meet their housing needs. The house is appraised so that a household has enough money set aside for essentials like meals, treatment, and clothing. There are many affordable senior housing options to consider, and seniors can decide which one to live in, depending on the housing types and facilities.

Affordable Senior Housing – Types and Tips to Choose One

Low-income housing

  • Public housing
    These types of homes are owned by the state government and rented out to low-income individuals who require an affordable place to live. Some public housing options might be large towers in housing estates, while others might be smaller groups of apartments and free-standing houses.
    This housing option is a great choice for low-income individuals, including seniors, who cannot own a home. Rent is typically capped at 25% of the individual’s income. Not only that but if individuals have to vacate the property for any reason, the government provides another home. Also, there are a lot of public housing options that are specifically for people over 55. Those in this age group might be housed amongst a community of people in the same age bracket.
  • Community housing
    Seniors with low incomes and seeking independent living options can explore community housing, which not-for-profit organisations own. Some of these options are modern apartments, while others are regular houses. Each community housing facility will be different, as some are managed by massive organisations that own multiple houses, while smaller groups manage others. That said, most community housing providers will help seniors modify their homes to suit their unique requirements.
    Community housing options usually cost about 30% of one’s income and 100% of Commonwealth Rent Assistance. A senior might also have to pay some community housing charges as a percentage of ‘market rent,’ i.e., the average amount a house would cost if it were to be rented out privately.
  • Moveable units
    These are separate houses at the back of another larger house, such as a bungalow. Moveable units are preferred by families who want to live close to older relatives or children. Seniors can also move closer to their children and families, provided there is land or ample space in the backyard to set up their housing. For that, seniors will need to reach out to the Office of Housing.
    A movable unit typically costs about 25% of the individual’s income. It is a small house with a lounge room, a compact kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. The waiting time for a movable unit is about three to six months, and the concerned government body supplies any utility connections at no charge. When a movable unit is no longer required, it must be removed and relocated to another home.

Retirement housing

  • Retirement village
    Not-for-profit and for-profit companies typically run retirement villages. The services, costs, and conditions dictated in individual contracts differ for each resident. Retirement villages have to meet various criteria to be considered legitimate.

    • Most residents must be 55 and over and retired from full-time work.
    • Residents must receive services and accommodation, excluding residential aged care services.
    • At least one resident should have paid an ‘ongoing fee.’
  • Caravan parks
    Most residents in the country, including retired seniors, consider moving into caravans and residential parks. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1996, a caravan resident park is someone ‘who has signed a lease with a caravan park owner’ or ‘residents who have occupied a caravan or site for at least 60 consecutive days’ and ‘who defines the site or caravan as the primary or sole residence.’
  • Residential parks and villages
    Residential villages have evolved from caravan parks or villages that cater especially to seniors. They have multiple facilities, including a community centre and a mini cinema, but this can differ from one senior village to another.

Tips to find senior homes nearby

  • Set the budget
    Seniors should set a budget when looking for living options because one may have to pay some fee in the form of rent to live in the house.
  • Research online
    One can type in keywords such as ‘senior homes nearby’ or’ senior living rentals nearby’ to find the most relevant options in one’s locality. Doing so will  also allow one to read through reviews and sift through options to make an informed decision.
  • Check healthcare access
    Some seniors might need to visit healthcare facilities often. In that case, they should ensure that the house they choose to live in is a few minutes away from these facilities. Alternatively, one should also check if the housing option offers some transportation methods to commute to healthcare centres .
  • Look into the facilities and amenities provided
    Before signing up for a housing option, seniors should determine the required facilities and amenities. A house’s price may also differ based on the type of facilities and services offered.

It is important to know that affordable housing is only available in a few select locations. Additionally, there are eligibility criteria that apply. Affordable housing units for seniors are usually available for rent at a lower price than a comparable property’s market rent in a particular area. This is why it is important to thoroughly check out the different housing options, the additional fees levied, and the amenities offered.

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