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Alternative Housing Options for Long-Term Care
Getty Images Communities and organizations have been cropping up around the United States — and internationally — to help people achieve the goal of aging in place. There are naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) that cater to those who don’t want to leave their home or community. The Eden Alternative is another innovation in the world of aging, where the focus is on de-institutionalizing . Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. These and other organizations and care facilities are working to make life for aging adults more pleasurable, focusing on growth in these later years as opposed to declining health and well-being. Learn more about a few of these long-term care options. Alternative Long-Term Care Facilities
The Eden Alternative
Focused on changing the atmosphere and experience found in long-term care facilities, the is a not-for-profit organization with about 190 registered homes across the U.S, and Canada, according to its online directory. Their focus is on bringing life and wellness into institutional-like elder care settings. Often, these facilities are blooming with plants, house many pets and encourage visits by children, practicies aimed at staving off the emotional and mental deterioration that can come when residents feel lonely or helpless. The goal isn’t just to de-institutionalize long-term care facilities, but also to renovate the culture and management of each. The Eden Alternative believes that facilities should not be run from the top down, but should incorporate the opinions and ideas of their residents. The organization is also helping older adults stay in their homes as they age with the Eden at Home initiative, which works to de-institutionalize at-home care. The Green House Project
Much like the Eden Alternative, the caters not just to the health needs of older adults but to their quality of life. The core idea is to provide our loved ones with a life enhanced by relationships with qualified staff, who choose to work in an environment focused on enriching the lives of older adults. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Aging in Place
There are organizations popping up all over the country that cater to older adults who prefer to rather than moving to , or . Here are two examples. Beacon Hill Village
Boston’s is an organization that caters to a community of older adults who want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. Around 350 Bostonians age 50 and older partake in Beacon Hill Village’s services, which include everything from dog walking to geriatric care management. Beacon Hill Village operates on a membership basis, with both subsidized and unsubsidized options available. Members can take advantage of social activities, day trips and exercise classes in addition to the basic services. Capitol Hill Village
is a nonprofit membership organization in the District of Columbia that offers typical retirement-home services in an in-home setting. Developed by a group of local retirees, this organization’s main function is to provide a network of services to individuals so they can continue to live in their own homes as long as possible. Members can get help with everything from gardening and household chores to in-home health care. This is another example of older adults taking charge of their future and is a model that can be replicated in other cities, suburbs and rural areas around the country. Additional Resources
There are many more facilities and communities in the United States and abroad that are taking the needs of our older loved ones to heart. For information and resources for older adults wishing to remain in their own homes or communities-at-large, check out AARP’s . This article, originally published Sept. 28, 2011, has been updated with more recent information about these long-term care organizations. MORE FROM AARP AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS