How to Apply for Senior Housing
Are you looking to make a move to senior housing? If so, you might have a few questions about the qualifications for senior housing and finding the right community for you. Wondering how long does it take to get senior housing? Or how do I apply for low-income senior housing? Our experts at Victory Hills are ready to answer your questions!
How Do You Qualify for Senior Apartments?
Qualifications for senior housing vary by the type of housing you’re interested in. Looking for apartments for seniors based on income? You may be interested in low-income housing options, including subsidized housing, public housing, co-op housing and Section 8 housing. These types of communities offer housing for seniors on social security or on a fixed budget. When it comes to low-income apartments, senior citizens can also utilize qualifying low-income senior housing programs like the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.
Typically, these types of housing have longer waiting lists than senior housing that is offered at market rate or is nonsubsidized. Some of these waiting lists might require a holding fee (though it is likely refundable), and they are likely to be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Outside of income-based housing, for senior housing, the requirements to qualify are mostly related to age. For 55+ senior communities, the community may require that at least one member of the household is age 55 or older. In a senior housing community that is not 55+, the minimum age is generally restricted to 62 years old, and all members of the household must be aged 62 or older.
What is the Average Cost of Senior Independent Living?
And what about the cost of senior independent living? Curious about what you can expect to spend on a senior apartment? Unfortunately, unlike nursing home or assisted living community costs, there isn’t a clear or reliable set of published pricing data when it comes to independent living costs on a national level. However, according to SeniorHomes.com, the average cost for independent living in Kansas is $2,038 per month, while in Missouri it is $2,087 per month.
While that may seem steep at first, especially for someone on a fixed monthly income, senior housing is generally less expensive in the long run for seniors as compared to living in a regular apartment complex or house. Why are senior apartments cheaper, you might wonder? Especially when they don’t appear to be cheaper up front? Well, the answer comes from the fact that senior housing typically does not require individuals to pay costs for upkeep or maintenance. For instance, at Victory Hills Senior Living Community, your monthly costs allow you to live a maintenance-free lifestyle and include housekeeping services and covered parking, as well as amenities like on-site access to a beauty and barber shop and activity rooms to socialize with friends.
Live Life Independently at Victory Hills
Not sure if independent senior living is right for you? Learn more about it when you visit Victory Hills for a tour. At our 55+ senior community, you can live every day your way, socializing with friends and other residents without worrying about costly or cumbersome home maintenance.
Our team members are always eager to hear from you. Whether you’re ready to make the move to a senior housing community, or you just want a little more information about independent living in general, give us a call at 913-299-1166. We look forward to answering your questions!