Uploaded on May 3, 2024
Discover expert insights and solutions for the senior housing crisis on AHEPA Senior Living's blog. Explore valuable resources and strategies to address the pressing challenges in senior housing today.
Addressing the senior housing crisis
Addressing the senior housing
crisis
The senior housing crisis
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies highlighted a pressing issue in the United
States in an alarming report about the
unpreparedness to provide adequate housing and care for the rapidly growing population of o
lder Americans
. Amidst this crisis, AHEPA Senior Living (ASL) is actively working to mitigate these
challenges through our development projects. AHEPA Senior Living’s role in expanding
housing solutions demonstrates a proactive approach to a looming crisis that threatens
millions of older Americans’ well-being and financial stability.
The growing need for senior housing and services
The United States is witnessing an unprecedented surge in its older adult population,
underscored by the fact that all of the baby boomer generation will be 65 or older by 2030.
The demographic shift substantially challenges affordable and accessible senior housing and
aging services. The Harvard article emphasizes the dual challenge of securing housing and
the necessary supportive services that older adults require to live independently and with
dignity.
Securing affordable housing and necessary services for older adults has become increasingly
challenging. High costs, limited availability and accessibility issues are just the tip of the
iceberg. Professionals underscore the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to address
these issues, pointing out the severe cost burdens many older adults face, compromising
their ability to afford other essentials like healthcare and nutrition.
Current challenges in senior housing
Senior housing is fraught with challenges. High costs and limited accessibility are sizeable
barriers couple with the added frustration of insufficient or stalled government investment.
The Harvard article sheds light on these challenges, highlighting the need for innovative
solutions to provide adequate housing for seniors. Additionally, disparities in housing equity
and the impact of climate change further complicate the situation, underscoring the urgency
of addressing these multifaceted issues.
Renters Cost Burdened at Record Levels. According to a January 25 report from the Joint
Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University, America’s Rental Housing 2024, a
record number 22.4 million renter households spent more than 30% of their incomes for
housing and 12.1 million renter households spent more than 50% for rent in 2022.
One potential solution to these challenges is the HUD 202 program, which focuses on
providing affordable multifamily housing for older adults. However, in the marketplace, the
affordability issue of rising rents indicates a growing gap between housing costs and the
financial capabilities of older adults. This gap further stresses the importance of
comprehensive solutions that address both affordability and accessibility.
• Learn how rent is determined via HUD Section 202 housing
AHEPA Senior Living’s response
With these broad challenges looming, ASL continues to initiate development projects to
provide affordable, accessible housing and supportive services for seniors. These projects
seek to address the immediate needs of older adults and incorporate innovative approaches
to ensure their long-term sustainability and resilience.
In 2023 alone, AHEPA Senior Living closed a $23.5 million deal to build their
fifth community in Iowa as well as a $25.18 million deal to
rehabilitate and preserve three properties in Mobile, Alabama. The nearly $50 million
investment in several communities is in addition to hiring Rory Neubrander to lead the
AHEPA development team as vice president.
Also, with policy changes in effect in Ohio, ASL aims to bring its Hellenic Senior Living
affordable assisted living lifestyle brand to the Buckeye state. This unique model of providing
seniors with affordable access to assisted living services combined with affordable housing is
AHEPA Senior Living’s response to the high cost of long-term care that older adults face. As
reported by the Joint Center, just 13 percent of older adults can afford to move to assisted
living.
These recent actions implemented by ASL are a testament to the organization’s forward-
thinking strategy. By providing quality affordable and accessible housing solutions, ASL sets
the standard for affordable senior living communities, continuing to pave the way for a future
where senior living is about providing peace of mind to loved ones, allowing them to thrive.
The future of senior living
The need for creative and sustainable solutions in senior living has never been more critical.
With strategies focused on the future, ASL is even exploring opportunities for integrating
renewable energy sources into their communities and projects, showcasing a commitment to
sustainability and cost efficiency.
AHEPA Senior Living’s commitment to shaping the future of senior living is further
underscored by its recent strategic hires in the development team, who bring fresh
perspectives and expertise in sustainable development. By hiring these forward thinkers,
development efforts continue to look toward communities that promote longevity, happiness
and peace of mind. ASL’s initiatives offer a glimpse into a future where senior living is
synonymous with vibrant, supportive communities catering to older adults’ comprehensive
needs.
Conclusion
AHEPA Senior Living’s proactive approach to senior housing challenges demonstrates a
dynamic model of innovation, sustainability and inclusivity. By addressing the pressing needs
of today’s senior population and laying the groundwork for future advancements, ASL
exemplifies leadership in transforming the affordable senior living sector. The organization’s
commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults through affordable, accessible, and high-
quality housing solutions sets a benchmark for excellence in the field.
To learn more about AHEPA Senior Living’s innovative projects and how you can support
efforts in improving senior living solutions, visit our website and join us in creating a better
future for our seniors.
Get in touch with us
AHEPA 192 II Senior Apartments AHEPA 192 Senior Apartments
202 SE 30th Street; 6190 NW 59th Court;
Ankeny, IA 50021 Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 964-0164 (515) 276-6766
[email protected] [email protected]
Hellenic Senior Living of Elkhart Hellenic Senior Living of Indianapolis
2628 Bypass Rd; 8601 S. Shelby Street;
Elkhart, IN 46514 Indianapolis, IN 46227
(576) 389-1776 (317) 885-4446
[email protected] [email protected]
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