logo

3 Things To Know About Senior Housing Assistance Group

Considering the growing senior population in the U.S., senior care services and elderly living facilities have seen significant demand in recent years. According to current data, more than 810,000 adults aged 65 and older stay in assisted living facilities and retirement homes. This figure is expected to increase by twofold in 2036 and threefold in 2049. By 2040, the country will require at least 1 million new senior living rooms to accommodate the aging population. 

However, senior housing providers face a grave crisis — affordability. Not all households can afford the average monthly cost of $4,300 for senior care and nursing homes. Fortunately, the Senior Housing Assistance Group (SHAG) offers a retirement community that suits your needs and budget. Read the article below to learn more about the SHAG. 

What Is Independent Living For Seniors

Housing options explicitly made for senior citizens aged 55 and older are commonly referred to as "independent living." A variety of arrangements may be available, depending on the location, such as:

Independent living is ideal for older adults who require minimal medical care assistance and maintenance. This kind of living also includes access to various social activities, entertainment services, and recreational amenities. 

Benefits Of Retirement Communities

Despite what most seniors believe, retiring and living in a retirement community may not be as bad as they think. You can discover new hobbies, explore your interests, and make new friends with other residents.

Personal Care

Some daily tasks get more difficult to complete as we get older. Activities of daily living (ADLs), house chores, and personal care can be demanding for elderly people and their families. In retirement homes, seniors can live life to the fullest with their daily obligations taken care of by nursing assistants. Other retirement communities also have in-home caregivers that work around the clock.

Safety & Security

Even if you don't require personal care assistance, you may still fall victim to accidents. Slips and injuries are common household accidents, especially for aging adults. And if you live alone, it might be a little unsettling for you and your family to consider not getting the assistance you require. 

In order to ensure safety and peace of mind, retirement communities have alert systems in each housing unit, as well as 24/7 emergency care.

Socialization

One of the main factors people consider when moving to a retirement community is socialization. If you want an active social life but have nothing planned for the week, a senior retirement community is your best option. 

This living arrangement allows you to enjoy various activities and learning opportunities, including:

  • Reading clubs
  • Coffee meetups
  • Religious study groups
  • Happy hours
  • Board game nights
  • Fitness classes

Socialization activities also help seniors feel less lonely and depressed as they age. It provides a sense of belongingness and controls vital to the residents' psychological and emotional well-being.

What To Know About The Senior Housing Assistance Group (SHAG) 

The Senior Housing Assistance Group is the largest non-profit organization that provides senior living and retirement homes at an affordable rate. They have various senior housing apartments and residences across the United States that cater to the underserved aging population of the country.

Application Process

The SHAG features an easy application process and flexible eligibility requirements, which include the following:

  • Applicant must be at least 55 years of age or older by the end of the year. 
  • Applicants must provide supporting documents to prove their eligibility.
  • A Resident Eligibility Application and a Resident Screening Application are both necessary steps when leasing. 
  • The gross annual income of the applicant or applicant’s household should not exceed the federal poverty levels of their area. 

Affordable Senior Housing Option

In contrast to other retirement communities, SHAG's 28 retirement communities, spanning from Olympia to Bellingham, operate on public and private funding. As a result, the organization can reduce development and financing expenses and rental costs. Older adults and their families are able to enjoy cheaper rental rates while having access to the standard amenities of senior housing, such as community gardens, fitness rooms, spas, clinics, town centers, shopping malls, and restaurants.

Seniors are also provided with a list of daily activities and socialization events to ease their boredom and allow them to connect with other residents — all at an affordable price. 

Internship Programs

College students can participate in SHAG's internship program, which allows them to assist with the retirement community program and work with coordinators of senior care services. This program fills a rising need by highlighting the advantages of working with elders, and the residents are also allowed to meet and interact with new people. 

Are you looking for affordable housing options for seniors? Check out this article from Senior Strong on everything you need to know about low-rent housing for seniors.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo
William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.
logo
After years of living under the care of your parents and other family members, the time will arrive for you to reciprocate. At Senior Strong, you can show your loved ones just how much you value them.
642 W 28th St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 877-8342
Senior Strong © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved