Congregate Housing

Congregate housing facilities are an option for some older adults who have temporary or periodic difficulties with one or more essential Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs can include dressing, eating, bathing, toileting, transferring and managing continence.

Congregate housing facilities provide a semi-independent community living environment. Residents have a private apartment with a kitchen and bath and share common areas for dining and socializing.

Residents who need more care than congregate housing provides can access in-home services. Read the programs below that provide subsidies for assisted living services for eligible residents of congregate housing. Both programs have eligibility requirements, and both have limited capacity.

A congregate housing facility may determine its own specific criteria, but generally require recipients to:

• Have an annual income that does not exceed 80% of the area’s median income
• Be at least age 62 and
• Meet criteria established by a local selection committee

Local selection committees may require applicants to take several assessments. These include assessments for physical and functional frailty, housing conditions and living arrangements and daily living needs.

Congregate housing complexes provide at least one daily meal, housekeeping services, 24-hour security and some social and recreation activities. They may provide additional meals or services for an additional fee. Residents pay a monthly rent and congregate services fee.

Premium services may be available at additional cost.

Private Pay:
Private pay refers to using personal funds to cover all or a portion of an expense. There are different ways to acquire private pay resources.

Affordable Assisted and Congregate Living Options:
There are a few programs that provide access to financial support for assisted living services for older adults and adults with disabilities who choose to live in a Managed Residential Communities or Congregate Housing.