Housing 5.3: Elderly and Assisted Living Housing

Objective H6: Increase the supply of housing for independent retirees, seniors and others needing assisted living housing.

In 2000, the Cape and Island were not only the fastest growing communities in the Commonwealth but was also the oldest regions in the state.  The Vineyard’s year-round and seasonal population already has a many retirees, and projections indicate that the elderly population will grow dramatically as the baby boomers hit retirement age.  It is predicted that on of the fastest growing segments of the nation’s housing market will be independent retirees (empty nesters) looking to scale down. 

There are varying categories of people that need special types of housing. Many people just need some assistance so they can age at home, including medical support, universal access retrofits, and help with chores. Many independent retirees looking to downsize only need smaller, perhaps rental, housing, preferably not too expensive, and close to services.  Some elderly need assisted living facilities which would provide a higher level of services, and others need 24-hour specialized care such as a nursing home. In addition, there are the housing needs of the mentally and physically handicapped, rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse, and homeless people and others in need of emergency shelter. 

The following are some strategies that begin to look at some of these challenges.  

·  Strategy H6-1: Quantify and plan for future housing needs for the elderly and those requiring various kinds of specialized housing.  Currently, it would appear that the 165 units in Island Elderly Housing, the 28 units in other smaller housing projects for seniors, and the 86 beds in Windemere (both assisted living and continuous care), generally meet current demand, but population projections suggest that there will be a significant increase in needs in the coming decades. Housing and human services organizations with the MVC should estimate current and future needs in various categories – independent retirees, homecare, elderly housing, assisted living, continuous care – and plan for how these needs can be met. (See also section 8, Social Environment.)

·  Strategy H6-2: Create additional elderly housing and assisted living communities for seniors. The creation of one or more additional assisted living communities would help the Island’s growing number of seniors. Many of these communities provide a continuum of levels of care, from independent units to degrees of assisted living, and sometimes even continuous care nursing. It is desirable that this housing be located in pedestrian friendly, in-town locations to allow individuals to remain active and connected to the wider society.