A Guide to Senior Housing Options
Throughout Chicago, there are many housing options, many of which are provided by CJE SeniorLife. The best housing choice is one that allows an older person to maintain his or her independence and individuality. The housing needs of individuals may change throughout the aging process as a result of transitions in their family, financial and physical situations. Today, there are many housing options for older adults that can enhance the quality of life for those who choose to live independently, as well as for those who may need additional supportive services and care. In determining the type of housing that best meets an individual s or couple s needs, here are several factors to consider: Location proximity to family members, doctors/hospitals, place of worship, public transportation, grocery stores, etc. Relative importance of living in a building or community with others of the same faith Ability to pay full-market rent or the need for subsidized rent Need for structured activities and socialization; the desire for privacy Access to support services, such as meals or personal care Accommodations and other assistive devices including elevators, grab bars and ramps If you have questions or need housing assistance, please call CJE SeniorLife at. Senior Apartment Buildings* These buildings are designed for older adults whose health and physical mobility enable them to live in private apartments with minimal or no assistance. Support services, like home-delivered meals, housekeeping and personal care, may be available through CJE SeniorLife or other social service agencies. Limited social and recreational programs may be provided by a building s management company. Some buildings are designated government-subsidized or affordable in which case seniors will need to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for assistance. Shared Housing Shared housing programs, often managed and screened by non profit organizations, that match older adults with a possible housemate (of any age) where each person has a private sleeping space. Shared housing is often an option for seniors who own a home and would like to remain in it, but would like someone with whom to share household chores and/or expenses. Congregate Housing* Sometimes called group housing, congregate housing is a building with private apartments or private bedrooms and baths. These residences have more shared common space and service support than apartment buildings, yet they still promote the concept of independent living. They generally offer a protective environment to people who need services such as meals (usually served in a central dining room), housekeeping, structured social activities and sometimes, a 24-hour support person. Congregate housing is ideal for those who benefit from the emotional, social and/or physical support of others. Monthly rental may include meals, housekeeping, activities and transportation. 2 3
Age-restricted Retirement Communities A senior community that is like any other neighborhood (often with a selection of living units) except it is limited to people who are 55-plus. Retirement communities are usually oriented toward an active lifestyle. Though not a requirement, they may offer an array of amenities like a swimming pool or spa, clubs and activities in order to be competitive and attractive to residents. These may be ownership, rental or land lease communities. Assisted Living Facilities* Usually apartment-style residences that may or may not be within a retirement community, providing an independent living lifestyle with support for the older person who requires assistance with daily tasks. Assisted living, which must be state-licensed in Illinois, offers meals, housekeeping and personal care (dressing, grooming, bathing, medication reminders, etc.) in a supervised environment. The amount of personal care received depends on individual needs. Skilled and intermediate nursing services are not provided. Supportive Housing This type of housing provides subsidized/affordable residences with a variety of supportive services, similar to assisted living, for low-income seniors. Seniors can live independently with services such as cleaning, cooking and transportation assistance. Intermediate and Long-term Care Facilities* Commonly referred to as nursing homes, these facilities generally provide 24-hour intermediate and/or skilled nursing care. Longterm care facilities are state-licensed. Residents are only admitted under a physician s order. Fees can be covered in a variety of ways including private pay, Medicare or Medicaid. Intermediate Care Nursing Facilities provide basic nursing care services to people who can t live independently, but do not require continuous skilled care. Services may include administration of medication, changing of dressings, injections and rehabilitation. Skilled Nursing Facilities provide services that are available in intermediate nursing facilities as well as oxygen therapy, physical and occupational therapies, administration of breathing apparatus and administration of intravenous fluids. Continuing Care Retirement Communities** Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) combine all three levels of care independent living, assisted living and nursing home care in a single setting. Such communities frequently have an entry fee (a portion of which is often refundable to an estate), plus monthly maintenance fees, in exchange for a residence, meals and health care coverage, up to the nursing home level. Health care services are often provided at a discounted rate. Most CCRCs have many amenities and services including dining venues, activities and life enrichment programming. Life Care Communities A CCRC setting that also provides a continuum of care from independent living to long-term care, so that individuals can move to different areas as their personal or health care needs change. Healthy residents can live independently (in an apartment, villa, townhouse, or single-family home) while community residents whose health problems require constant medical supervision are guaranteed a place in the community s long-term care residence. There are both endowment and monthly maintenance fees that cover personal care and health services. **A CCRC is in the development stage in Deerfield on CJE s Weinberg Campus contingent upon zoning approval. 4 5
Independent Living CJE has studio and one-bedroom apartments at the following addresses: Farwell House, 1420 W. Farwell, Chicago Jarvis House, 1345 W. Jarvis, Chicago Krasnow Residence, 8901 Gross Point Road, Skokie Levy House, 1221 W. Sherwin, Chicago (Affordable Housing; Section 8 Rental Vouchers accepted) Swartzberg House, 3101 W. Touhy, Chicago Village Center, 5140 Galitz, Skokie CJE s Group Living Residence: Robineau Residence, 7550 Kostner, Skokie (Section 8, Subsidized Housing, plus a monthly service fee) CJE s Assisted Living Residences: Weinberg Community for Senior Living, 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield Gidwitz Place for Assisted Living The Friend Center for Alzheimer s Care CJE s Long-term Care Residence: Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation 9700 Gross Point Road, Skokie CJE SeniorLife Housing Specialists can provide information on many housing options, including those discussed in this brochure. Call to speak with a specialist. CJE Main Office 3003 West Touhy Avenue Chicago, IL 60645 Adult Day Services Deerfield Evanston Apartments Assisted Living (Deerfield) The Friend Center for Alzheimer s Care Gidwitz Place Consumer Assistance Chicago Area Northwest Suburbs Counseling Geriatric Care Management Home-Delivered Meals CJE Home Health Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation Alzheimer s Care Short-term Rehabilitation Skilled Long-term Care Transportation Volunteers info@cje.net 847.374.0500 847.492.1400 847.374.0500 847.398.9589 773.681.7500 fax 773.681.7550 847.929.3210 773.508.1064 6 7
The mission of CJE SeniorLife is to facilitate independence of older adults and to enhance quality of life by advocating on their behalf and by offering programs and services throughout the continuum of care for individuals, families and the community. 3003 West Touhy Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645 www.cje.net CJE SeniorLife is a partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.