|
| |
Shared Housing
Home-->Retirement
Planner-->Housing-->Shared Housing
|
WHAT IS SHARED HOUSING?
Shared housing is defined as an arrangement in which two
or more unrelated people share a house or an apartment. Usually private
sleeping quarters are available; the rest of the house is shared. Shared
housing may occur naturally when a group of individuals decide to pool
their resources and establish a household or it may develop through the
guidance of an agency. In some cases, agency-sponsored shared housing may
provide individuals with such services as meal preparation, housekeeping,
shopping and case management. Shared housing provides elders wishing to
remain independent a way to reduce economic, physical and social loss that
may accompany aging.
WHAT TYPES OF SHARED HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS EXIST?
The two basic types of shared housing are:
·
Match-up - An arrangement in which two individuals agree to pool together
available resources such as personal, financial, and physical support to
create a shared dwelling.
·
Group Shared Residence (GSR) - An arrangement in which three or more
unrelated individuals share common areas such as kitchen, dining and
living facilities while maintaining a private bedroom. Management and
maintenance of the household are decided upon mutually.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REASONS OLDER PEOPLE SHARE HOUSING?
Many benefits are associated with sharing a home. However, you must
also consider some possible problems associated with such an arrangement.
Before deciding to share a home, you must weigh the benefits of sharing
living space with another person against the possible problems.
Some of the benefits that shared housing can provide include:
 | Additional income |
| Companionship |
| Security |
| Personal Services |
| Opportunities for emotional, social, and in some cases, physical
support. |
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SHARED HOUSING AND POSSIBLE
SOLUTIONS
|
PROBLEM/CONSIDERATION |
POSSIBLE STRATEGY/SOLUTION |
|
Legal Restrictions: |
|
|
1) Zoning Ordinances |
| Check whether or not there are any city restrictions on
housing meant for single family dwellings. The definition of
"family" may prevent you from entering into a shared
housing agreement. |
|
|
2) Landlord/Tenant Issues |
| Explore with local jurisdictions whether or not shared housing
agreements are accepted as landlord/tenant contracts. Some areas
do not recognize shared housing agreements as legitimate
landlord/tenant contracts. |
|
|
Reduction or Loss of Government Benefits: |
|
|
1) Supplemental Security Income |
|
Check with your local Social Security office
for advice on your SSI benefits. You may lose up to 1/3 of your
monthly benefits if the shared housing arrangement involves the
exchange of reduced rent or food. Such arrangements are
considered income. |
|
|
2) Food Stamps |
| If you receive Food Stamps, you may lose your benefits. The
entire monthly income of the household is considered for
eligibility. Contact your local Department of Public Social
Services. |
|
|
3) Taxes and Insurance |
| Check with your local jurisdiction and insurance company to
determine if a shared housing arrangement would increase your
local taxes or insurance rates. |
|
HOW TO BEGIN
If you are interested in shared housing programs, the
following agencies may be of some assistance:
| Local area agencies on aging |
| State department on aging |
| Local churches or synagogues |
| Local housing departments |
| Senior centers |
The National Shared Housing Resource Center has a Directory of
programs. To obtain, write to:
National Shared Housing Resource Center
MJCCA--Rita Zadoff
5342 Tilly Road
Dunwoody, Georgia.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Key Zoning Issues for Shared Residences for Older Persons (D12774)
and
A Consumer's Guide to Homesharing (D12774)
Both available from:
American Association of Retired Persons
601 E. Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20049
For more information, call: (202) 434-2277
Price: Free (single copies).
For more information on housing options, write to the
National Resource and Policy Center on Housing and Long Term Care, USC, Andrus
Gerontology Center, Los Angeles, CA
90089-0191. |
|
