Affordable and adequate a challenge for aging Americans
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According to information provided by the Alliance of Older Americans (http://www.retiredamericans.org), more than 1.5 million older Americans reside in homes that are too expensive to comfortably fit in their budget, is not in good condition or does not meet their individual physical needs. These numbers are especially true with people renting. Because 55 percent of renters living in poor housing, have incomes of less than $10,000 and no assets, it can be almost impossible to locate better housing at an affordable price. About 6 percent of older and retired Americans (1.45 million households) live in housing which needs repair and/or rehabilitation and about one-third of those seniors live in seriously substandard housing. This means it can threaten their safety and welfare.
The biggest problem for a large number of seniors is finding affordable housing though. About 30 percent of all older Americans pay more than they can truly afford for housing. Again, renters are hit the hardest with a growing number of seniors paying 50 percent of their income to housing needs alone. About 1 million seniors are living in homes which have needs for home repairs and modification that cannot be met due to cost. Seniors age 85 and older are in greatest need with about one-eighth in desperate need of repairs or modifications. With the 85 and older population identified as the fastest growing population in America now, this need will undoubtedly grow in the future.
There can be few alternatives available for low-income seniors too. It can come down to choosing between not receiving any assistance at all or receiving nursing home care. Often times a person may live in a HUD-assisted senior housing project and need health care and other community services. However, a number of these residents may require a little bit more health care and may thrive better in an assisted living community. That option isn't always as easy to come by so instead of staying in their home these seniors may be forced into nursing homes, which is a much more expensive option.
Cost is not the only factor which forces seniors from living independently to nursing homes though. For a number seniors, fixing up their home to continue living on their own is not only a financial challenge. Physical limitations can make it difficult for seniors to keep up maintenance on their homes and continue with daily and weekly chores around the house. For many, just getting help in those areas could keep them in their homes and living independently longer. This is normally a more costly solution for seniors, especially those who are not renting a home or apartment.
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