Senior Housing Definitions

AGE RESTRICTIONS – Some communities have a restriction on the youngest age they are allowed to accept. These restrictions vary by community.

ALZHEIMER’S / DEMENTIA ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY –

Licensed assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility that specialize in delivering care to victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Communities are typically bedroom-style rental units with common areas for dining and activities. Many are locked for residents’ safety. Specifically trained staff usually serves the special needs of this population. Amenities vary for each community.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY –

Typically apartment-style with kitchenettes and private baths. Some offer companion accommodations. Personal assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating and ambulation. Rates vary from an all-inclusive to base rates with levels of care. Amenities vary for each community.

DAY CARE – Any provider can elect to provide day/night services on a short or long term basis. Rates typically include a place to rest, one or two meals and snacks and activities for the day. Licensed communities are prohibited by law to promote these services without a specific license.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)

– helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants.

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM –

(Sec 8) - find your own place and use the voucher to pay for all or part of the rent. Participating households are required to pay the greater of 10% of their gross annual income or 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. To qualify, a household’s annual income must not exceed the applicable income limit for the area as adjusted by family size.

(Sec 236) Property owners in this program make mortgage payments that are based on a 1% mortgage interest rate. HUD then provides a subsidy to their lender to cover the difference between 1% and the market interest rate on the property’s loan. Participating households are required to pay rent equal to the greater of 30% of their adjusted income (not to exceed the market rent) or the basic rent amount set by HUD for that particular property. Any amount paid by the household that is more than basic rent is considered excess rent, which the owner pays

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