Housing Options
If remaining in the home is not an option, there is a variety of other housing arrangements from which to choose.
These options may include assisted living facilities, personal care boarding homes, domiciliary care homes, continuing care retirement communities, Elder Cottage Housing, or, for those requiring 24-hour, skilled nursing care, nursing homes. In addition, low-income seniors who wish to live independently in the community may be eligible for subsidized housing.
(The following links are shortcuts to other areas within this site)
“Domiciliary” comes from the word “domicile” or home, and is used to describe care provided in the home. Our Dom Care program matches adults who cannot live alone with individuals or families who are willing to open their homes to them. Dom Care providers offer a warm and encouraging family environment, and assist residents with their daily needs, including food, laundry, personal hygiene and medication administration.
Learn more
Assisted living communities are designed for older adults who cannot live independently but do not require nursing home care. These facilities may help residents to take their medications properly, offer assistance with personal care and housekeeping and serve meals in a community dining room. Many have professional nurses on-site or on call if a resident requires special care. Assisted living centers may stand-alone; exist as part of a continuing care retirement community where other older adults live independently; or may be a part of nursing home or senior housing complex. Not all assisted living facilities provide the same services, so it is imperative to look carefully at the individual facility’s contract.
Click here for a list of Assisted Living and Personal Care Boarding Homes
Residents of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also called Life Care Communities) enter into a contract through which their housing, health care and meals are provided for the remainder of the individual’s life. Other services, such as recreation facilities and transportation, may also be provided. Typically, the resident pays an initial entrance fee and also makes monthly payments. The facilities may require potential residents to meet certain age, health and financial requirements.
Click here for more information on Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Nursing homes are residential facilities licensed by the Department of Health for people with disabilities and/or older adults who require 24-hour, skilled nursing care but who do not need the high-tech resources of a hospital. An assessment is required to be admitted to a nursing home.
Click here for more information on Nursing Homes
PCA’s Nursing Home Transition Program assists nursing home residents age 60 and older to return to community living. Program staff may help appropriate candidates to find housing, modify an existing home to make it accessible, access needed medical, adult day care or home-based services and provide training for independent living.
For more information, call:
The PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040
Younger nursing home residents age 18 to 59 who are interested in returning to community living may contact:
Liberty Resources at 215-634-2000
Personal care boarding homes are generally smaller than assisted living facilities but provide similar services such as meals, housekeeping and personal care activities such as bathing and dressing.
Click here for more information on Assisted Lliving and Personal Care Boarding Homes
Older adults encounter great challenges finding affordable, decent and accessible housing. Waiting lists for subsidized housing are often several years long.
Subsidized housing programs have age and income eligibility requirements. Minimum age is typically 62 orAge 18 for disabled adults.
How to Apply:
Philadelphia Housing Authority Office
718 N. 16th Street
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
or
call 215-684-4453
(formerly, Section 8):
Call: The Philadelphia Housing Authority Office
215-684-4453
Ask if the waiting list is currently open
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has a list of subsidized buildings that provide housing for older adults.
Click here for a listing of subsidized housing resources
You may also refine your search by using this link to Search by zip code or location
Sources for utilities assistance, home repair or modification programs, loan programs for home repairs or modifications, reverse mortgage loans, fair housing commission, HUD, emergency mortgage assistance, etc.)
Click here for more information on General Housing Resources
These are self-contained units which families or friends set up to be occupied by an older adult relative or friend on the same property, adjacent to, or attached to a single family home. Sometimes these are converted garages or other sections of a home, or removable units. The unit usually has a private entrance, kitchen and bath. Anyone considering creating this kind of housing must first contact the municipality where they live, because most towns have zoning regulations which determine how, where, and whether these living arrangements are permitted.
This resource guide is intended primarily for professionals who work with older adults in the City of Philadelphia. It provides a comprehensive overview of the City's housing resources for the elderly. The guide will enable the professional to help the client identify those housing resources that best meet the consumer's housing needs.
This guide also points professionals to non-conventional solutions so that they can help the consumer plan for changes in lifestyle or finances through such programs as Domiciliary Care, subsidized housing or long-term facilities. It also provides information about groups that promote community education, allowing counselors and consumers alike to get involved with a membership organization or coalition of groups on issues of long-term or citywide concern.
Click here to download the resource guide
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