Is routine maintenance, climbing stairs, or digging out after snow storms overwhelming? Are you struggling to pay for rent and food? Or, do you simply need more social interaction?
If you are grappling with these issues, it may be time to move to senior housing. It’s important to find a community that matches your lifestyle and provides friendly, maintenance-free living.
What will you need to live comfortably in three years?
Could a health issue eventually limit your ability to walk, clean, or cook? You may want a building with an elevator and complete wheelchair-accessibility (including bathrooms). Some communities provide housekeeping services, bus rides to stores and social events, and daily meals.
Will you still be driving in three years?
If yes, you may want an apartment with a garage and/or snow removal along with 24/7 maintenance and some planned social activities, such as Larrabee Heights.
If not, you may want a home near a public bus line or within easy walking distance of stores and restaurants, such as Presumpscot Commons or Spring Crossing. Non-drivers may also want a community that provides transportation to stores and social events.
How’s your diet?
If you struggle to cook and eat a healthy diet, you may need a community that provides one or more optional meals daily, such as Larrabee Village.
Do you crave more social interaction?
With age, we can become isolated without work or children to link us to our community. Senior housing provides easy ways to meet others our age and to participate in optional social activities that don’t require nighttime driving.
Would you like 24/7 assistance available?
If you function well, can manage your medications, but want someone available 24/7 in the event of an emergency, find a community with a 24/7 resident attendant, such as Larrabee Village.
How much can you pay for housing?
In addition to market-rate housing, affordable/subsidized housing is available to seniors who make less than $30,000 a year. Monthly rents at Larrabee Village, which include utilities, are about 30 percent of your monthly income. Affordable, tax-credit apartments (see Mill Brook Estates, Presumpscot Commons, or Spring Crossing) range between $543 to $803 for a one-bedroom apartment to $790 to 949 for a two-bedroom unit.
Here is a summary of Westbrook Housing’s senior housing options:
- Housing with supportive services: Larrabee Village, minimum age 62, provides on-site meals, housekeeping services, numerous social activities, and 24/7 resident attendants. Maximum income is $25,500 for one. Rent is 30 percent of monthly income, includes all utilities.
- Affordable housing with some services: Westbrook Housing has three communities for individuals age 55 and older: Mill Brook Estates at 300 East Bridge St., Presumpscot Commons at 765 Main St., and soon-to-open Spring Crossing, located behind Westbrook’s post office on the banks of the Presumpscot River.
These communities, with one- and two-bedroom apartments, offer on-site parking and laundry, social activities, and computer rooms. Some units are wheelchair-accessible. Rents vary, based on tenants’ income, and include all utilities.
- Independent senior living: Larrabee Heights offers two-bedroom apartments with attached, single garages. Motorized chairs provide access to second-floor apartments. Minimum age is 62. Rent is $895, excluding utilities. There are some social activities.
For more information, call Westbrook Housing at 854-9779.
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