INSIDE: Caregiving is a multi-series project from WOSU uncovering the journey of caregiving, from health disparities and inequities to exploring if our healthcare system is prepared to support the future aging population.
As the aging population grows in the U.S., affordable housing is becoming an increasing concern. It’s estimated the Baby Boom generation is retiring at a rate of 10,000 people per day. The number of people over the age of 80 is projected to triple by 2050. Where will they all live?
More efforts are being made to keep senior citizens in their own homes or at least living on their own.
Kathy O’Brien is a case manager with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) who checks on Lynn Greene.
Greene lives in a one-bedroom apartment at Wellington Village Senior Apartments in Hilliard. She moved into the complex three years ago with her husband. After he died, the 66-year-old downsized from a two-bedroom unit at the complex.
“I have everything I need right in here,” Greene said. “And it has been very nice living here. I pay the rent. They pay the utilities. So everything works out.”
Greene has COPD and is on oxygen at all times. She blames it on her past smoking habit. Her oxygen tank sits on her bedroom floor. A long nasal tube stretches across to the living room and attaches to her face, as she sits on her couch. Other health issues are also a problem.
“I had PAD, peripheral artery disease, and had to have a bypass into my legs,” Greene said. “I really, you know, I've had heart disease. I've had two heart attacks. I have three stints. So, I'm just hanging on and doing the best I can.”
Greene gets guidance from O’Brien about her need for services such as Meals on Wheels, homemaking and transportation to medical appointments.
“You just keep plugging along, just keep going,” Greene said. “That's all you can do. I got it better than some people.”
Greene pays about $1,100 a month to live at the facility. Money is tight. She has a small pension and Social Security that pays for most of her needs. She’s grateful though for the help from O’Brien and COAAA.
“They were actually involved in helping me move to this facility,” said Greene. They've helped me with getting Meals on Wheels, getting light housekeeping done and things that I can't do myself. I try, but it doesn't work real well.”
O’Brien said rent is more stable here due to federal guidelines for senior housing, but rent has increased by about $200 more a month since Greene moved to Wellington Village in 2021.
O’Brien also said housing is the biggest concern for most seniors. She guides about 50 clients and visits with up to 10 people a week. A lot of her time is spent on the phone to advocate and get referrals for services.
Greene is part of a rental subsidy pilot program that gives her $350 a month to manage her finances.
“There's such a waitlist for seniors (trying to get into) subsidized housing so that's 30% of their income that they would be able to pay,” O’Brien said. “And that's like a year, two-year, three-year waitlist.”
Katie White is director of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging. The agency manages home services for 15,000 people and funds services for another 25,000 people within an eight-county area.
“It's really about having that choice and autonomy offered to individuals as they age in Ohio, and what they qualify for so that they can choose the best setting for themselves.” White said.
White said the demand for COAAA services is at record levels. In Franklin County, the number of adults who are 65 and older is projected to double by 2040.
“Our phone calls month over month, our referrals into our case management programs, our education, our outreach, everything is really exploding,” White said.
A recent survey by AARP found that three quarters of adults over 50, want to stay in their homes as they age. And the same number say that they want to stay in their communities.
But, Rodney Harrell, vice president of family. home and community for AARP, said about 44% of older adults say they’ll need to move at some point. That could mean simply downsizing, but also could involve moving to independent or assisted living, depending on the person's needs.
“Many people feel that their needs are met right now," said Harrell. "But if something is to shift, if something is to change, that's the concern.”
