There are many housing options for older adults who reach retirement age. They include remaining in their current residence, sharing a residence with others, moving to a retirement community or a congregate living facility. Individuals with mobility and health limitations may consider options offering personal care services such as continuing care retirement and assisted living facilities. A choice within these basic options depends upon one’s income, health status, and family situation. While 80% of adults age 55 to 74 own their homes, the percentage of older adults living in their home declines with age and health status. (Source: AoA Aging Information Notes)

Abbreviations
CCRC: Continuing Care Retirement Communities
ECHO Housing
HUD: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
RSA: Rehabilitation Services Administration
SRO: Single Room Occupancy Hotels

Materials to Review

• AoA Aging Internet Notes: Senior Housing Options
• AoA Aging Internet Notes: Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

Assisted Living

• Aging Internet Information Notes: Assisted Living (AoA)
• American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living

Federally Funded Senior Housing Options

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HUD)
• Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
• Section 515 Rural Rental Housing
• Single Room Occupancy Hotels (Section 8 SRO Program)

Independent Living

• Assistive Technology Resources (Administration on Aging)
• Energy Assistance/Weatherization
• AoA Aging Internet Notes: Home Remodeling
• AoA Aging Internet Notes: Independent Communities
• AoA Aging Internet Notes: Independent Living (AoA)
• Independent Living Centers
• Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind
• Awareness and Popularity of Property Tax Relief Programs (AARP)
• AoA Aging Internet Notes: Senior Apartments/Condominiums (AoA)
• Universal Design (AARP)

Reverse Mortgages (Home Equity Conversion)

• About Reverse Mortgages for Seniors - Section 255 - Home Equity Conversion Mortgages
• AoA Aging Internet Notes: Reverse Mortgages
• Reverse Mortgage Scams (HUD)

Additional Online Resources
Directories

• HUD approved Housing Counseling Agencies
• Multifamily Inventory of Units for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (HUD)
• National Directory of Home Modification Resources

Government

• Administration on Aging
• US Dept. of Education - National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
• US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Organizations

• American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living
• Easter Seals
• National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)
• National Housing Law Project (NHLP)
• National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification (NRCSHHM)
• Rebuilding Together

Articles/Resources

• "Selecting a Continuing Care Retirement Community": Brochure is no longer available online. Brochure sold in packets of 50.
• Home Modifications (Rebuilding Together)
• Housing Options for Older People (AARP)
• Easy Access Housing (Easter Seals)
• Homelessness Among Elderly Persons (National Coalition for the Homeless)
• Resource Center on Accessible Housing and Universal Design (NDRR)