Conclusions

The important thing for seniors to remember is to plan for this type of situation well in advance. Like most aspects of aging, preparing for the future will make change that much easier. Senior housing can be an excellent life adjustment; many people are able to keep active and independent while still maintaining their privacy and peace of mind.

Expert: Nancy Hooks

Nancy Hooks of Albany, New York is a Regional Vice President with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). AAHSA is a nonprofit organization representing owners and operators of senior housing, assisted living, nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, and home and community-based service providers. Prior to her affiliation with AAHSA, Ms. Hooks was Director of Housing Policy, and former Executive Director of the Adult Day Health Care Council for the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging in Albany, New York.

Ms. Hooks also served as a consultant to the New York State Adult Day Services Association. Ms. Hooks holds accreditation and licenses as Certified Occupancy Specialist with the National Center for Housing Management and Retirement Housing Professional with AAHSA. She is a member of AAHSA's Housing Committee and Housing Network; American Society of Radiologic Technologists; Diocesan Commission on Aging; New York State Ad Hoc Alliance on Section 202 Housing; New York State Business Council; New York State Housing Forum; Partnership Advisory Committee to the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal; and serves as Treasurer of the Capital District Senior Issues Group; and Chair of the Northeast Housing Forum.

Expert: Deborah Damm-O'Brien

Since August 1999, Deborah has been Executive Director of DePaul Housing Management Corporation. DePaul Housing manages over 600 units of HUD subsidized and DHCR housing sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and serving very low and low income seniors and men and women with mobility impairments. The 13 properties managed by DePaul Housing are located in five counties of New York State - the Capital Region and Delaware County.

An attorney, Deborah formerly served as General C

A resident of Niskayuna, Deborah is an English for Speakers of Other Languages Tutor for Literacy Volunteers of the Capital Region and a member of the Capital District Senior Issues Forum Steering Committee. As an active member of the School Board and its committees for the Catholic Schools of the Albany Diocese, she has encouraged intergenerational programs and relationships between the schools and the senior housing properties managed by DePaul Housing.

Consider this advice from Deborah, regarding the decision to move into senior housing:

• Don't wait. Be open to considering a new housing option before you actually need it. Learn about different senior housing options available in the area and visit properties. Visiting a property doesn't mean that you need to make a commitment to live there.
• Relocating to a senior apartment or cottage community may actually prolong your health and independence. Senior housing properties are very often much safer and more accessible for seniors than the places we are currently living most of our homes have stairs, often two sets of them, for example.
• Living in an apartment or cottage community doesn't mean that you loose your independence or privacy. No one is required to attend activities or functions. You can still do the things you love to do. Being part of a community where you see people regularly and have options for activities provides more opportunities for you to avoid feeling alone and lonely.