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Affordable Living For The Aging

The aging process is an inevitable part of life. However, it can be met with uncertainty when the aging process is accompanied by health problems and difficulty affording accommodation or medical care. The elderly often find that their social security benefits are not enough to cover living expenses, especially if they are forced to live with a spouse who has not worked for years or has a disability. This leads the elderly to face extreme financial burden, which can be mitigated by understanding affordable housing and healthcare options.

Affordable housing is vital to the health and well-being of seniors. As a person ages, their health care needs become more expensive. However, affordable housing that allows for independent living reduces the cost of care. Affordable housing is available in two forms: government subsidized low income housing and rental options that do not require government subsidies.

Government subsidized low income housing is set up specifically for seniors with little to no income. Most regions have federally-subsidized housing programs that deal with the elderly, such as Section 8, or the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) home ownership program. Through these programs, elderly and disabled individuals can find reasonably priced housing options in which they will be able to remain independent.

Government subsidized low income housing has two different tiers of affordability: designated market rate (DMR), and moderate income (MID).

The government sets a cap on the number of units available through various programs. The DMR units are owned by the government, and rent is paid through Section 8. The MID units are owned by local authorities, but the majority of them accept some form of subsidy from HUD or other sources.

MID housing has been defined as housing that can cover a family’s basic needs with an income of between $40,000 and $89,000. There is no guarantee with these types of programs for a specific type of placement in terms of location or construction quality. However, the rent is cheap and on a long-term lease.

These programs do not require applicants to be disabled or elderly, but the units are reserved for the low income. However, in some cases it is possible to work with a local community organization that specializes in affordable housing opportunities such as church groups. There may be some fees associated with this process in order to finance the creation of an application package that will be submitted to HUD for processing.

Rental options that do not require government subsidies can be found in the form of a (1) retirement community and (2) independent living facility. In a retirement community, individuals can live in their own apartment at an affordable rate. This is an ideal situation for seniors who are accustomed to living on their own, but need help with medical care and other necessities.

Retirement communities are also an excellent choice for individuals who are relatively healthy with some sort of disability. This is because they often have medical care centers on site or nearby. Also, most retirement communities maintain a measure of independence by allowing residents to cook their own meals and stay in their own apartment.

Independent living facilities provide group housing for seniors who desire to live with others of the same age, but maintain an independent lifestyle. These facilities may have medical care services available and often provide a transportation service for their residents.

The living situation of seniors has a huge impact on their quality of life. If they can afford to live on their own, many choose to remain independent. However, if their finances are tight and they need help with medical care, and other necessities that are provided by government subsidized low income housing and rental options, affordable healthcare is the best option for them.

Affordable healthcare is available for seniors who have financial difficulties and are not eligible for government subsidized low-income housing or rental options that do not require government subsidies.

Affordable healthcare programs for individuals with very low incomes are a patchwork of programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare. Seniors with very low incomes may also qualify for CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). These programs only set aside a certain number of funds in each region. As a result, they are often oversubscribed, which means that individuals must apply in order to receive coverage.

Medicaid is available for those who do not qualify for Medicare. However, Medicare is often the best option because of its comprehensive coverage and relative ease of enrollment. In addition to being easy to enroll in, Medicare also offers a discount on premiums for individuals with low incomes who are over 65 years old.

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Low Income Assisted Living

Assisted LivingOne of the most basic necessities of living is being able to afford a place to live. This means having a safe, stable, and affordable home. But for some people this isn’t an option because their income is too low to be able to afford it on their own. In these situations the government may provide the assistance needed in the form of subsidized housing or low income assisted living.

Low income assisted living refers to housing that is made available for people in need of care who do not have the ability to pay for housing themselves. This means that there are some people who are unable to make ends meet, even with working full-time.

If you can’t live on your own, it is possible that you may be eligible for low income assisted living. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to live in a low income apartment complex or home. If you are able to pay for your own housing, then you can live wherever you’d like. It’s just that if you can’t afford to do it by yourself, you may be eligible for subsidized housing that can help with the cost of living.

Those who qualify for low income assisted living may be able to live in a community or an apartment complex that is specially designated for the purpose of housing seniors who can’t afford their own housing. If you qualify for low income assisted living, then it would be financed by the state or federal government.

Some people may not know if they qualify for low income assisted living. In these cases, it can be a good idea to check and see if you do in fact qualify. There are several different ways that you can check to see if you may qualify for low income assisted living.

You can contact a government agency, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to learn if you may qualify for low income assisted living. There are also other organizations that you may be able to contact for assistance in finding subsidized housing. Some examples of these organizations include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, your state’s department of human services, or local centers on aging.

One of the main criteria for low income assisted living is that there are other people who are helping to pay for your housing. This means that you may be eligible to live in an apartment building or a community where you will be part of a shared living situation.

There are things that you can do to make sure that you qualify for low income assisted living. The first thing that you should do is to make sure that you are eligible. You could check with the government agencies that you’ve been using so far to see if they know when eligibility for low income assisted living changes. If your income is too high, then you may have to start working in order to qualify for low income assisted living.

The government is more likely to provide subsidized housing if it can be proven that there are other people who will be able to pay for your care. This means that you will need to find a source of money that can be used to pay for your living expenses if you are going to live in low income assisted living.

Those who do qualify for low income assisted living may end up living in homes or apartments where they have access to help from the government. This could include senior care, food, or other necessary services. To receive this kind of help you will need to go to those who get low income assisted living or contact the government agencies that you have been in touch with.

If you qualify for low income assisted living, then it can be a great relief to know that your housing is being taken care of by the government. This means that you don’t have to worry about being able to afford housing or finding an apartment or house that is affordable. The government will be taking care of these expenses for you.

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Senior Apartments Near Me

Senior apartments near me can offer seniors with the security and support that they need. Often celebrating its first anniversary, the senior apartment near you will provide the best of both worlds for seniors – a sense of community and independence.

Senior apartments were created to give seniors with limited mobility or who are struggling on their own enough support to live in their own homes. It’s important for elders who want to maintain some autonomy, as well as be afforded the benefits of living in a supportive environment that’s close by.

Senior apartments provide a safety net for seniors who want to age in place, remain close to their family and friends, and have help when needed. However, many seniors choose to move into senior apartments to be near friends and family, or because they don’t want the responsibility of maintaining an entire home on their own.

Regardless of why people select a senior apartment over other housing options like assisted living, there are some things every resident should know before moving in.

Seniors should research the senior apartments near me in their area to see which services are offered and if there are any amenities the apartment offers.

Some of these amenities include a gym, exercise room, salon, or beauty room for seniors to keep up with traditional beauty routines or just for personal hygiene, a designated caregiver to help with light housekeeping and personal assistance, or any other service that may be useful for seniors.

And don’t forget about security. Residents should know that many senior apartments near me features a secure front door with keypad lock, a monitored alarm system, and 24-hour security.

Residents shouldn’t feel pressured to sign a lease right away. Senior apartments near me can offer seniors three-month leases, so they can take the time to think about their decision. If they want to move out of the family home before their lease is up, then they are free to do so. Residents can also move out of the senior apartment at any time, which is important because Senior apartments are meant to be a place where seniors can live on their own for short or long periods of time.

Finally, residents should know that senior apartments near me offer all the amenities seniors expect from their home. They offer a safe and supportive environment that’s close by, and all of this is offered at affordable prices.

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Apartments For Seniors Based On Income

If you are 60 years or older, now is the time to think about your future. The country will be seeing a surge in the senior population over the next couple of decades, and according to pollsters, most seniors are not prepared for retirement.

Luckily for today’s aging Americans, there are many affordable apartments that cater to all kinds of lifestyles and budgets. This post will explore some great places where seniors can find safe homes at low rates including communities with pools and fitness centers.

Now that you know where to start, here’s the other good news: Most of these communities are in desirable locations. Some are located near shopping centers and movie theaters. Others offer easy access to major thoroughfares and highways. Many of these communities are gated and feature lush landscaping.

With all this being said, let’s get started. Here are some great apartment communities for seniors based on income.

Brighton Gardens

If you love the beach, then Brighton Gardens is for you. This community features an outdoor pool and spa and is located in the heart of Delray Beach, just minutes away from downtown Lake Worth and the famous South Florida beaches. The apartments feature a convenient floor plan that includes a den, private patio or balcony and a washer/dryer. The community offers all of the comforts of home with an added bonus, maintenance staff is on call 24-hours to help you out, should an emergency occur.

Allegro at Madison

Located in Northern Westchester County, NY, Allegro offers apartment homes for seniors who like the sound of peace and quiet. The community is nestled along the banks of the Hudson River and features an outdoor fitness center and laundry room on site. Residents enjoy an upscale apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious kitchen and ample storage for all your favorite things. The community features a walking path that is great for getting in shape or just enjoying the outdoors. All units feature balconies and one-car garages, as well as nearby shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters and more.

Brookdale Rittenhouse Square

Brookdale Rittenhouse Square is located in Philadelphia’s famous Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. This gated community features an outdoor pool and a lush courtyard for outdoor gatherings. Residents enjoy large studio apartments that feature hardwood floors and a separate kitchen with granite counter tops. The community offers all of the conveniences of home with the added bonus of a concierge service to help out when you need it.

Hillcrest

Located in University City, Hillcrest is a gated community that offers an outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. The community also features a conveniently located clubhouse with meeting rooms, activities and dining options. The apartments feature spacious floor plans with large living spaces and one-car garages or parking spaces. You’ll find all the comforts of home along with an added bonus: A 24-hour maintenance staff that is available to help out when you need it most.

Greenbrier

If you love the great outdoors, then Greenbrier is for you. Located on 2,000 acres in Central Florida, this community features oceanfront views and is nestled along the shores of Lake Butler. The community offers a variety of apartment options including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that feature private balconies or patios, high ceilings and spacious floor plans. The community features an outdoor pool and fitness center for residents who like to stay active.

Arbor Terrace

Located in the heart of Mount Prospect, Ill., Arbor Terrace offers safe and affordable apartments for seniors. This gated community features an outdoor pool and a fitness center along with a coin-operated laundry room. The apartments feature one- and twobedroom floor plans that include spacious kitchenettes, marble counter tops and floor-to-ceiling windows. The community also offers recently remodeled units with fully equipped kitchens and upgraded appliances, as well as newly installed vinyl plank flooring throughout the community.

Bay Meadows

Bay Meadows offers a great location in the popular city of San Mateo, CA. The community is situated along the waterfront of San Francisco Bay and offers you easy access to the area’s many attractions. The apartments feature one- and two-bedroom floor plans that include marble counter tops with stainless steel appliances, new appliances, freshly painted walls and flooring and gorgeous wood beamed ceilings. The community features an outdoor pool, spa and fitness center for residents who like to get outdoors.

As you can see, there are many great senior apartment communities across the country. If you are over 60 years old and looking for a safe and affordable place to call home, then consider any of these communities. You can also find other great options by doing some research online or by calling the local senior center.

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Affordable Housing For Senior Citizens

As the baby boomers get older finding affordable housing for senior citizens becomes more important as many choose to sell their homes in order to get cash to live on or because they can no longer take care of it.

For many seniors housing subsidized by the government is the only affordable housing options they have because of their low income status.

The good news is that for those low income seniors housing can be both affordable and comfortable because many subsidized communities are safe, well maintained and offer many senior activities.

Affordable Housing For Senior Citizens – How To Qualify

To qualify for these programs a senior or their spouse must be at least 62 years of age and their income less any approved medical expenses must be below the 50% of the median income for the state and county that they live in.

While this sounds complicated it is really quite easy as the HUD website provides all of the income tables you will need to see if you qualify.

Seniors also have to be able to take care of themselves as the government programs (called the Section 202 program) don’t provide assisted living services but it is important to note that some residences will have some assistance available through local agencies or charities.

Other programs like meal delivery might be included or available for a fee in some housing complexes but once again these are at the discretion of the landlord. The government does not administer the programs directly leaving that to non-profit programs that get financial assistance from HUD in order to make affordable housing for seniors available in the community.

If you are thinking of moving into one of these low income facilities you should visit it in person and try and talk to some of the residents. Visiting at night is a good idea to give you an idea of how safe and well-lit the facility is as a community can look completely different at night.

If you aren’t sure about anything in your lease agreement be sure and have your attorney look it over before signing it but rest assured that affordable housing for senior citizens that is safe and clean is available for anyone that needs it.

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Affordable Senior Housing Is Not A Dream

For many retirees affordable senior housing is one of their main concerns, especially to those living on low fixed incomes.

Thankfully, the HUD 202 program makes affordable senior housing a reality as long as they meet some simple eligibility requirements.

Affordable Senior Housing Eligibility Requirements

If the person applying for senior housing assistance or their spouse is at least 62 years old they are able to proceed with the income eligibility check.

First, the senior’s adjusted gross income is calculated by subtracting any approved medical expenses from their current income.

Next, this amount is compared to a threshold based on the state and county of where they live. These numbers are periodically adjusted to reflect economic changes such as inflation and cost of living adjustments (COLA) and the HUD website always has the latest income guidelines available as a PDF file for downloading or you can use an interactive map to find the income levels for your area.

Finally, if they fall under the cut-off point they are eligible for senior subsidized housing and will only have to pay 30 percent of their AGI (adjusted gross income) towards rent and utilities.

It is important to note that all affordable senior housing properties comply with federal regulations that accept anyone who qualifies without regard for national origin, race, religion, color, disability or sex.

If you have applied for subsidized housing and feel you have been unfairly denied you need to file a complaint as soon as possible.

These government subsidized properties are built and run by many non-profit groups that received special HUD loans and HUD is not involved with the operation of the properties in any way.

There are some privately-funded senior housing programs but these are usually restricted to certain groups such as a specific religion and most people not involved with the group will not even be aware of these programs.

While the HUD subsidized programs do not pay for any additional services there are many places that have staff to help connect seniors with outside services such as transportation and meal deliveries.

Anyone looking for affordable senior housing for their loved one should check early to make sure there is either no or a short waiting list since the more desirable properties fill up fast.

It is also good to find out if there are any available services offered and if there is a cost associated with them.

Additionally, there are some communities that have residences for those with special needs like issues with mobility.

The elderly does not have to worry about finding affordable senior housing that is decent and safe no matter how little of an income they have thanks to HUD and other privately run subsidized housing programs.

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Elderly Safe Subsidized Housing

Despite what you may have heard elderly safe subsidized housing does exist with the majority of subsidized senior housing being perfectly safe.

No matter what age a renter is safety is a major concern but it is even more of a concern when talking about the elderly.

This is because many criminals prey on the elderly because they are perceived to be weak and easy targets but the fact is many seniors are armed and I have read countless stories about elderly people in their 70s on up to 90 plus years old shooting a burglar that broke into their home.

When looking for elderly safe subsidized housing you want to make sure that the area is well lit at night and that it is free from overgrown shrubbery where criminals can hide.

A gated or fenced community is always a plus as are built-in alarm systems in the residences.

Police or private security patrols will also be a benefit but too many patrols might be an indication of a high crime area.

Some senior subsidized apartments have people that periodically check on the residents to make sure they are OK and not having any difficulties.

Always talk to other residents about safety issues to find out if they feel safe living there or if they have had any problems and if they are reluctant to talk take that as a bad sign and look elsewhere.

Another thing to look out for is the physical aspects of the housing. Are there many stairs that could cause a problem? Are the safety rails in place? Is the complex up to government specifications?

In the residence is there any loose carpeting or tiles that could cause you to trip and fall? Is there a defined exit in case of emergency? Do you require any special equipment like hand rails in the shower or tub?

Another key point is medical assistance. You need to find out if there are any medical personnel on staff and how close the nearest medical facility or hospital is in case of an emergency.

These are just some of the questions you need to ask to make sure that you find elderly safe subsidized housing that you can feel comfortable living in.

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Senior Citizen Government Subsidized Housing

Sadly, even in a country as prosperous as the United States many of our elderly are left unprepared to support themselves during their golden years because they simply do not have enough money to quite literally pay the rent.

Thanks to senior citizen government subsidized housing our nation’s retirees living on Social Security as their primary means of income can live out their golden years without having to fear that they will be tossed out into the street.

Of all of the boondoggle programs from the federal government senior subsidized housing stands out as one that is actually beneficial to those that need it and I am grateful that such a program exists for those that truly need our help. The government got this one right!

Senior Citizen Government Subsidized Housing Requirements

In order to qualify for senior citizen subsidized housing the applicant has to be, well, a senior citizen. More specifically, they or their spouse has to be at least 62 years old, be able to take care of themselves with minimal help and there can be no children or grandchildren living with them.

The other primary factor in determining if an applicant is eligible for senior citizen government subsidized housing is their income levels as subsidized senior housing programs provided by HUD are only for those seniors that are truly in need of help.

An applicant is allowed to deduct any approved medical expenses from their income and the balance is then checked against a median wage table based on the state and county the person lives in. In densely populated areas the city can also be included in the table.

This table has the median wage for their respective geographic area and if they fall in the lower half or third (depending on the program) they will qualify for senior citizen government subsidized housing and the federal government will pay 70 percent of their rent and utilities as long as the senior lives in a complex that has been designated as low income senior housing.

Many people think that these living units are literally the bottom of the barrel when it comes to quality and safety but in reality most of the senior housing units are in very good shape and completely safe to live in.

Yes, they might be simple in design and not have a lot of frills but they will be solid and some senior complexes will even have amenities like a recreation center for the seniors to gather to socialize and play games as well as additional services.

These services are often provided by local charitable or religious organizations and include meal delivery, light housekeeping and basic transportation to stores and medical facilities. Perhaps you have seen one of the minivans parked outside a grocery store with a group of senior citizens on board ready to go shopping for their week’s food.

The more desirable units, especially those in large urban areas, will often have a several year waiting period so if you are thinking of living in one of those units you should check to see how long the list is and plan accordingly.

One thing I would caution to anyone applying for senior citizen government subsidized housing is to read the lease agreement completely and if there is anything that you don’t understand ask a lawyer before signing the contract.

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Senior Subsidized Housing

Senior Housing

Senior subsidized housing programs exist to help retired seniors that are living on a low fixed income like Social Security live an independent lifestyle often in complexes with other seniors.

The main provider of subsidized housing is the United States government, specifically the Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD, with many states also providing assistance for seniors in need of housing help.

Regardless of which agency you apply to for senior subsidized housing assistance be aware that in highly populated areas there can be a waiting list of several years due to the ever growing senior population that needs housing help.

The Federal government’s senior housing aid comes in the form of the HUD 202 Program which helps seniors with rental assistance provided they meet the program requirements:

Summary:
HUD provides capital advances to finance the construction, rehabilitation or acquisition with or without rehabilitation of structures that will serve as supportive housing for very low-income elderly persons, including the frail elderly, and provides rent subsidies for the projects to help make them affordable.

Purpose:
The Section 202 program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly. It provides very low-income elderly with options that allow them to live independently but in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, transportation, etc. The program is similar to Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities (Section 811).

Type of Assistance:
HUD provides interest-free capital advances to private, nonprofit sponsors to finance the development of supportive housing for the elderly. The capital advance does not have to be repaid as long as the project serves very low-income elderly persons for 40 years.

Project rental assistance funds are provided to cover the difference between the HUD-approved operating cost for the project and the tenants’ contribution towards rent. Project rental assistance contracts are approved initially for 3 years and are renewable based on the availability of funds.- HUD Portal

Senior Subsidized Housing Requirements

Senior Subsidized HousingThese requirements include things such as the ability of the senior to pay a portion of their rent as well as being at least 62 years old. They must also fall within an annual income range as determined by HUD and be a citizen of the U.S.

Like the HUD program many states also have senior citizen housing programs that can help seniors with their rent payments and each state has their own set of requirements that must be met in order to get assistance.

Regardless of which government agency you seek help from be aware that the primary determining factor as to whether or not you get senior subsidized housing assistance is your income levels.

These levels vary depending on geographic location so someone living in one county will have a different income limit than a senior living in an adjacent county so doing a bit of research before applying for subsidized housing assistance is a must.

It is also a good idea to check out the property before signing any lease to be sure it is in good shape and a safe place to live. Too often public senior housing is neglected and because of the age of the residents criminals can target these complexes.

Some simple Internet searches can provide a wealth of information about the quality and safety of any place you are considering moving to and doing a bit of research beforehand can make a daunting task like moving into senior subsidized housing a lot less stressful.

As States respond to the aging of their populations, they will find it necessary to create comprehensive long-term care systems that will enable very low-income elders to live in the community, instead of relying on institutions. Plus, an estimated 20 percent of nursing home residents could be de-institutionalized immediately if appropriate community supports were available. If this is to be accomplished, the problem of low availability of affordable, accessible housing with supportive services will have to be addressed.

Results from decades of research suggest the potential of the Section 202 program to reduce Medicaid expenditures while providing a humane alternative to institutionalization.

Senior Subsidized Housing Assistance Is In High Demand

Demand for Section 202 housing has remained consistently strong. At the time of the 1999 survey, only 1.6 percent of all units were vacant, about the same as in 1988. This increase is wholly attributable to vacancies in efficiency apartments. The vacancy rate for efficiency apartments increased from 2.7 percent in 1988 to 4 percent in 1999. The vacancy rate for one-bedroom units remained constant at a very low 1 percent.

The one-bedroom unit vacancy rate is a good indicator of the relative demand for similar units across time periods, since it provides a comparison of a standard unit. The extremely low vacancy rates found in all time periods indicate that demand remains very high. The lowest vacancy rates appear in low-income and cost-containment phases (the two earliest Section 8 phases), while the highest vacancy rate (1.4 percent) falls in the transition phase, the last Section 8 phase. The 1.1 percent vacancy rate for one-bedroom units in the oldest facilities shows that these units remain in high demand, despite their age and despite their smaller subsidy.

Vacancy rates were lowest in metropolitan areas (including central cities and suburbs) of one million or more persons. While still low, the rate was almost twice as high for communities in the three middle categories of 10,000 to 999,999 persons. Vacancy rates were highest in facilities located in the smallest towns and in rural communities below 10,000 persons. The vacancy rate for one-bedroom units remained under one percent for all community sizes except for the smallest category of under 10,000, where vacancy almost tripled to 2.1 percent.

Comparison of the one-bedroom vacancy rate shows that vacancies in small, rural communities (i.e. with populations under 10,000), while still very low at 2.1 percent, are substantially higher than the rates for all other locations for senior subsidized housing.

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Retirement Mobile Home Parks

Retirement mobile home parks are a popular way for seniors to live out their golden years. While some mobile homes can be rented most are owned by the senior outright who then pay a lot rent .

All of the services a homeowner has come to expect like utilities and trash pickup are available and the only difference is that your “neighborhood” is composed of mobile homes full of retirees instead of traditional houses.

Most retirement mobile home parks are age restricted to keep out noisy kids and teens and many communities have active programs for the residents with access to swimming pools and clubhouses. Higher end parks will also have meals and nightly entertainment available as well as a variety of clubs and exercise and educational classes.

Snowbirds often have two residences, on the north for spring and summers and one in the south for fall and winter and this because a mobile home usually is lower priced than a traditional home many seniors are able to afford this little luxury.

In fact, this is what my Aunt and Uncle do. They have a little place here in town for the spring and summer months and a winter place in Florida which just so happens to be a double-wide mobile home. In fact, my mom told me that they are planning to sell their house here in town and move permanently to Florida this year.

Retirement Mobile Home Parks – What To Look For

Before you move to any mobile home community you want to make sure that you are close to grocery stores and medical facilities in case you need treatment.

Check out the amenities the park offers and pay attention to any added costs for these as well as any property taxes and other ongoing costs you might incur living there.

Pay close attention to the overall property. Does it look well maintained or is it run down looking? Are the mobile homes in good shape or are they older and rusting?

Sometimes seniors living on fixed incomes may not be able to afford one of the better retirement mobile home communities and so they may have to make some compromises and move into one that might be a little less luxurious.

No matter which one of the many retirement mobile home parks you decide on before signing anything make sure to have your lawyer look the papers over so you are not taken advantage of or mislead.