A Guide To Congregate Living

Congregate living communities are subsidized multi-unit housing/apartments for independent and semi-independent seniors who meet certain financial eligibility requirements (low to moderate income).

These communities are intended for seniors who are essentially self-sufficient. They usually include individual apartments, communal meals, housekeeping services and some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

The level of assistance is usually between independent living and assisted living. Congregate living facilities are not as widespread as other senior living options. You are more apt to find them in cities rather than small towns or rural areas.

Congregate Living Basics

These facilities are not typically licensed because the personal care they provide is very limited. Requirements for congregate living housing programs vary from state to state.

For example, many have a minimum age requirement of 60 or 62-years-old. Some states require residents to need assistance in one or more ADL.

Still other states say to qualify you must need help with at least three ADLs; another state says no more than one. Then there are requirements set by individual care providers.

Here are other requirements as listed by one congregate living provider:

• Live independently, not requiring constant supervision to carry out ADLs
• Medically stable and capable of making their own decisions
• Be able to follow through with medical plans
• Cannot exhibit behaviors that disturb or infringe on the rights of other residents

These communities also must provide at least one hot meal per day, 7 days a week.

Some residents may need more than the facility can provide in terms of health care, ADLs, and companionship. They may have to hire outside assistance from an in-home care agency to serve them in the congregate facility. Most congregate living providers will allow this but check their rules first.

To qualify, potential residents usually have to meet an income minimum, usually a percentage (e.g. 60%) of the state's median income. A person’s assets are also considered.

Congregate living apartments are usually small, one or two-bedroom, with a kitchenette.

Amenities and Services

Amenities will vary from place to place. Many amenities are offered for an additional price on top of the rent. Here are some you may find:

• Exercise classes
• Group meals
• Social activities
• Computer center
• Hair salon/barber shop
• Billiards room
• Regular wellness services such as blood pressure checks
• Controlled entry
• Laundry room
• 24-hour on-site security
• Transportation
• Utilities included (except cable TV)
• 24-hour emergency response system
• Light housekeeping
• Elevators
• Private parking
• Safety features such as sprinkler, smoke detector, alarms
• Trash removal
• On-site management

Selecting a Congregate Living Facility

Place

• What is the facility’s outside appearance? Is it well kept? Are there grassy areas? Is there a picnic area? A community garden?
• How big are the apartments? Is there plenty of storage space? Can you cook adequate meals in the kitchen/kitchenette?
• Is there enough natural lighting?

People

• Is staff friendly and professional?
• Are residents friendly?
• Do you share some of the same interests?
• How do they like living there?

Location

What is the neighborhood like? Does it feel safe? Would you be comfortable walking the neighborhood?

Are you close to friends and family?

• Are you close to your doctors and hospital?
• Are you near public transportation?
• Are you near malls and other amenities?

Activities/Amenities

• Is there a common area?
• What activities are planned throughout the week? Do they have a calendar posted? Is there a reading group? Walking club? Knitting group?
• Is there a reading group?
• Are there residents who like to exercise?
• Are there religious services?

Summary

If you are receiving a low or moderate income or have experienced a sudden decline in income for whatever reason, congregate living may be an option.

Though these facilities usually come with fewer amenities than other senior living options, you will still find they try to make their residents’ stay as comfortable and independent as possible.

If you have further questions about congregate living, fill in your contact info at the top. Someone from assistedseniorliving.net will get back to you as soon as possible.