Question from Jiles/Shreveport La.
Expert Answer by Jennifer Prell
Jennifer Prell is the CEO of Paxem, Inc.
Programs for low-income seniors exist in almost every state. To qualify, your mother will probably have to meet income guidelines. Some places receive property tax incentives to offer below market rent to low-income seniors. They work on a sliding scale based on income.
Your mother may be eligible for a Medicaid diversion program or funding from the Veteran's Administration if she is a widow of a veteran and needs some care. You can contact a free senior referral service such as Paxem's partner organization, Silver Connections (info@asilverconnection.com), to get individual help.
Expert Answer by Donna Quinn Robbins
Donna Quinn Robbins is the CEO of Ultimate Moves and author of Moving Mom and Dad.
To qualify for low income senior housing, there are many restrictions and they vary from state to state. Many communities are required to offer lower rents to some residents, as they have obtained loans from the state or federal government. HUD housing is where you should start looking. Section 8 lets you live in a complex for a rent that is a fixed percentage of your parent’s monthly income. There are also affordable communities called satellite facilities that are often run by larger not-for-profit or for-profit communities.
Keep in mind that in many cases, when looking at affordable housing, your mother will probably be sharing a room. Start looking as soon as you can—these places have waiting lists. Here are three places to start; each should be able to refer you to resources in your area:
- HUD, 800-767-7468
- National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, 202-232-2275
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, 202-872-0888
