Housing with services for elderly half-dependent couples

Abstract

The existing elderly housing continuum makes little provision for couples that pose very different levels of independence and do not have sufficient wealth to purchase home care. As a result, Elderly Half-Dependent Couples (EHDCs) are coping through strategies which could be harmful to both members of these couples. A number of innovative typologies and programs offer hope to EHDCs for a better solution. By learning from these models, original typologies that seek to better meet the demands of EHDCs can be established; the Senior Life Home is one such possibility. This hypothetical prototype affordably provides a complete continuum of care for elders in one apartment style unit, and is a worthwhile venture for developers who will find it easy to site. In order to develop these homes, Medicaid and senior housing regulations would have to adapt, as would government funding of senior housing. Future efforts on behalf of Elderly Half-Dependent Couples should seek to continue identifying new innovative solutions to the unique housing and service dilemmas they pose.