There are so many living choices available to today’s seniors. We have put together a guide to help you navigate all of the options available and decide what the best choice is for your situation.
Active 55+ Communities
Typically age-restricted to those 55 and older (or sometimes 62 and older), these communities are for independent older adults and therefore don’t offer any assistance with daily activity. There are a wide range of options in the Active Adult category including single-family homes, condos, townhomes and apartments – the most common being planned adult neighborhoods and 55+ apartment communities.
Planned Adult Neighborhoods – These are neighborhoods of single family detached homes that typically range from 1500-2000 square feet and are built on smaller lots. Homes are usually one-story and are often equipped with features appropriate for aging-in-place. These communities are usually governed by a Homeowner’s Association which enforces covenants and restrictions. Common features typically include clubhouses, pools, walking trails and parks. Often, neighborhoods are built near a golf course or lake.
Active Adult Apartment Communities – Sometimes called Active 55 or Senior Apartments, this is a multi-housing unit for older adults who are still active and able to care for themselves. While amenities and services vary from community to community, they typically feature common areas such as lounges, theaters, craft and hobby areas, fitness centers, swimming pools and walking trails. There are often activities on-site such as exercise classes, movies, game nights and other social gatherings.
Independent Living Communities – Like the Active Adult options, these communities are for seniors who are still able to live on their own and care for themselves. Studio, one- and two-bedroom units may be offered. Apartments are equipped with a full kitchen or kitchenette but the communities typically offer meal plans which may include 1, 2 or 3 meals. Maintenance, housekeeping and laundry service are usually included. Common areas include lounges and sitting areas and rooms for hobbies, crafts and games. Communities may have on-site hair salons, movie theaters, business centers, swimming pools and fitness centers. There are social groups for all types of interests and many offer transportation to medical appointments and organized outings to local stores and attractions. The facilities are staffed 24 hours per day and may be equipped with medical alert systems. Assistance for medication management and daily activities is not traditionally included although some communities may allow, and even help arrange, outside home health companies to come in for those who need temporary assistance.
Assisted Living Communities – These communities are designed for seniors who are still independent but require some assistance with day-to-day tasks such as medication management, bathing, dressing or grooming. Transportation services are available for medical appointments, shopping and group social outings. Meals are typically provided. Apartments are usually small studios or one bedroom, although some communities offer two bedrooms, and are usually equipped with a kitchenette. Housekeeping, maintenance, linen service and laundry service is typically included. The facilities are staffed 24 hours per day and medical alert systems are installed throughout the facility. Common areas include lounges and sitting areas and rooms for hobbies, crafts and games. Communities may have on-site hair salons, movie theaters, business centers, swimming pools and fitness centers. There are social groups for all types of interests.
Residential Care Homes – Sometimes called Senior Group Homes, Residential Care Homes provide assisted living in a smaller setting. These are often located in traditional homes in residential neighborhoods and accommodate 4-6 residents per home. Residents share bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces. They receive more personalized care and enjoy a more “close-knit” family feel. Meals and assistance with daily activities are included and some may provide medication management as well.
Memory Care Communities – These are specialized Assisted Living Communities for those who are diagnosed with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia. These may be stand-alone facilities or they may be a specialized unit of a CCRC, Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing community. The facilities are staffed 24 hours per day by staff who are specially trained to deal with those who have cognitive issues. Security codes are required for entry and exit to keep the residents from wandering off. Services offered include medication management and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or grooming. They also offer programs and therapies specifically for those with cognitive issues. They may have both private and semi-private rooms available. Housekeeping, maintenance, linen service and laundry service is included.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) – These communities offer older adults a unique way to “age-in-place” by transitioning through the various types of senior care options. Independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing care are typically all located on the same campus. Most require a significant entry fee or “buy-in” in addition to monthly rent. This initial fee is sometimes partially refundable upon the resident’s death. One great advantage of CCRCs is that it enables spouses who may need different levels of care to remain on the same campus. It also allows seniors to make and keep the same friends throughout their time in the community. Unfortunately, due to the large financial commitment, CCRCs may not be an option for seniors with limited resources and income.
Options for Affordable or Low-Income Housing:
Public Housing consists of low-cost apartment homes that are owned and operated by the local housing authority. They typically require tenants to pay no more than 30 percent of their monthly income for rent. To apply for public housing, visit the housing authority for the city in which you want to live
Section 8 is a voucher system that allows very low-income families to choose where they want to live, subject to HUD standards, by providing rental certificates that limit tenants’ rent to 30 percent of their adjusted monthly income. Very low-income families with incomes not exceeding 50 percent of the median income for the area can qualify for the program. Apply at your local housing authority and/or the housing authority for the city in which you want to live. Since these vouchers are “portable,” you can receive them in one city and take them to another city. There is typically a long waiting list for Section 8 vouchers, especially in larger cities.
Section 202 Housing is senior citizen housing, usually with supportive services such as meals, transportation, and accommodations for the disabled. Occupancy is open to very low-income households with at least one person 62 years of age or older, and the disabled. To apply, visit the community directly.
Affordable HUD Apartments are privately owned but contract with HUD and calculate rent based on the resident’s income. Basic rent is typically no more than 30 percent of a resident’s adjusted monthly income. These are not associated with local housing authorities. Applications are made directly to the complex in which you wish to live.
Our directory includes information on options in Dallas/Fort Worth that offer either affordable, low-income or subsidized housing options for seniors. There are typically waiting lists for these communities so apply early and apply to many.
Find out more about vacancies by visiting the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Vacancy Clearinghouse.
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Testimonials
I just wanted to say thank you for all that you did in helping to liquidate my mother's estate. You made it bearable and pain-free. You are kind, courteous, friendly, professional & very knowledgeable.
[The Sullivans] were always available and knowledgeable. My phone calls were always returned in a timely manner. All of our needs were covered. We felt comfortable and secure throughout the entire procedure. You were great and I consider you as friends!
Thank you so much for your able assistance over the past couple of months. We would not have been able to move so quickly without your help. As it has turned out, we got just the apartment we wanted at just the right time. You subcontractors were all able to do what we needed done and pleasant to work with. We would be glad to recommend them to anyone who asks. I have to mention the movers in particular. They moved our stuff in a monsoon, and took such good care of it that we had no damage; nothing even got wet. Except them. I was very anxious about the whole process and am glad to have it finished. However, I would have been a basket case without you. It wasn't just that you knew what you were doing, it was that I could ask you anything and you could answer calmly and knowledgeably. That was so reassuring, affirming that the process was moving forward according to plan and that all would be well.
I appreciate all y'all did for us in managing the sale of my parents' home. Blessings to both of you and your team. I am grateful!
From our first meeting with Ingrid I was impressed with her positive attitude about everything. It was all so overwhelming from the "get go" and I needed the strength she provided. I was amazed at all the contacts that were available just for the asking. I thought I would have to find all of these contacts on my own. This in itself gave me tremendous peace of mind. Your service is a "10" with all your contacts a phone call away. Each person who contacted us was very professional...Can't say enough about people who got the job done!
Ingrid, I wanted to thank you and John for helping my mom smoothly transition to Arlington Plaza. Mom is happier than I have ever seen her and is just blossoming in her new digs. Blessings to you and John for the services you provide to our seniors. Fantastic job!
How AWESOME you two are! I will never be able to thank you enough for the marvelous way you took care of me during my move. You went above and beyond anything I ever expected. You accommodated me in every way…Really, you outdid yourself and I will forever by grateful. Without question I will recommend you to all my friends. Thank you again for everything. I’ll never forget you.
We attended a downsizing event [and] we were impressed with the Sullivan Team immediately… We think you did everything right with all of the roadblocks put in the way regarding [our property]. You were available anytime we reached out and you kept us informed at about each and every step. You are professional and direct and shoot from the hip – but with compassion when needed. Thank you again! Hope the best for you for the years ahead.
I can’t say too many good things about Ingrid! She helped me sell a home, remotely, as I moved a dear relative to an assisted living facility in my state. She helped find movers, cleaners, and any other provider I needed. She and her husband also spent time staging our home and dealing with all types of picky details that were beyond me from a thousand miles away. She also convinced my buyer to switch banks to make the transaction smoother (before the underwriting started), and found a second title company at the last minute to accommodate a non-traditional sale that seemed to confuse the initial company we worked with. We got ten showings in the 1st two days, resulting in six offers by the 3rd day! Ingrid is the best! I have bought and sold many properties in my lifetime and she has been the strongest agent I have ever engaged!
Ingrid & John – You two have been such a blessing to myself and others who have had to make a big change in their lives.
Ingrid Sullivan’s experience and guidance was so valuable in guiding my father through all the steps of pre-sale house preparation and the selling process. She helped things go so much smoother by anticipating the possible issues during the sale and even when unexpected surprises occurred. The financial outcome was great!
I feel as if I have not had the opportunity to thank you for all the work you did for me and my family. I depended on you and your expertise to make this deal happen and you did not let me down. You fought every battle that arose, and there were many, and you made things happen. Thank you; you are a true professional and I am so glad you were on my side…I am so glad I got to meet you and work with you and I will be forever grateful for that relationship. I know you will help many families who are lucky enough to learn about you.
Update August 2016: I hope you are doing well. I have thought a lot about you lately for a couple of reasons. It has been one year since I left Arlington for Chicago…doesn’t seem possible. After a very difficult transition, I finally realized that I made the right decision and know I belong here…I enjoyed working with you. You were very helpful when I was going through the worst time of my life. Being in Chicago [with my daughter’s family] has changed my life for the better.
John was very determined to find me a buyer. He also got me a better deal than I thought we could get. Thanks!! Very pleased.
You are approachable and easy to communicate with. The process [of selling my mother’s home] was simple and easy.
You are dependable and keep your promises – and you stay in contact! You always gave us confidence in your decisions – we never doubted your integrity. You were determined to see that we are satisfied with all aspects of our purchase – and we are!
John and Ingrid were wonderful. Working with other specialized teams, they arranged to up-date my home, sell my treasures that I could not take with me and listed the property quickly. They personally supervised the progress of every aspect of my move. As a result I had an offer on my home of 39 years the first day listed. I would recommend their team highly.
Ingrid and her husband, John, were wonderful to work with. The guidance they gave me in selling my home was excellent. I had my house on the market for just two days – 36 showings and 7 offers within two days. I highly recommend Ingrid. You won’t be sorry.
We highly recommend Ingrid and John Sullivan of Keller Williams. They lead a superb team of contractors, stagers and photographers that got our home sold at our price in four days (after 15+ showings). Bottom line: Go ahead and downsize and/or start packing…THEN call the Sullivans. Expect things to happen quickly.
Ingrid, thank you for being all that you were as our Realtor. We appreciate all the time and devotion you gave us. Your expertise made everything work well and knowing you were always there for us helped make our transition easier.
Making this change in my life was daunting and difficult, but John and Ingrid tried very hard to make it as easy as possible. They kept me informed and up to date on everything! I felt great relief when they came on board and I feel I’ve made new friends.
You are very thorough and you know other good, reliable & honest people to help you. Good follow-up on everything. Thank you so much.
I send you both a prayer of thanks every time the thought crosses my mind (often) of how not having my mother’s house hanging over my head has lightened my load and thus, my life. Be assured–you are the ones I will recommend to anyone i know who is buying or selling a home. Thank you!
Ingrid provided exemplary customer service from the first meeting. She came fully prepared with all the comparable properties and information for me on the process of selling. She immediately instilled confidence and trust. On the third day she brought me 5 offers, one way above asking price because the buyer really wanted the house. She guided me through each step and has a superb network of people to assist on any task or repair. She went above and beyond many times, especially advising my son who was selling a house in another state and needed her thoughts on how to improve its visibility. She is the best at her job and you will love working with her. There is not a high enough level to describe her professionalism and dedication.
Mom and I want to thank you for selling our house. We know that it wasn’t an easy task – we had problems we didn’t even know about. But thanks to your expertise we got it done. You have a great team of people that also helped us out. Please send our thanks.
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