Housing Counseling: Resources
Senior Independent Housing Communities
Below are listings of senior independent communities in Washtenaw County. These listings provide information on each property, including rental costs or income guidelines, as well as information on some of the characteristics of each community. We make every attempt to keep information current. However, there can be changes without notice.
Always check the information at the time you are examining options. See our disclaimer statement.
Independent Housing Listings
- Low-Cost Independent Housing (PDF) offers reduced rent for seniors who meet eligibility requirements. Some rents are based on 30% percent of gross annual income. Others are below market rate and are based on the medium income of the community. They are administered by different government programs.
- Retirement Residences (PDF) may offer a range of housing that includes independent, assisted living, nursing home care and other health services. Independent living is for active seniors who want services and amenities to live more comfortably. Most of the residences provide meals, activities, housekeeping and maintenance. Some retirement residences are Continuing Care Retirement Communities. CCRCs are geographically located on one campus, provide coordinated care and services and offer contractual and/or rental agreements for their residential living and services. Market rates are offered.
Assisted Living Care Options
If you are interested in long-term care options, including assisted living and help in your home in Washtenaw County, we can help you find out what is offered and what decisions need to be made, discuss the best "fit" for you based upon your preferences, needs and ability to pay.
Assisted Living Care
In the state of Michigan there is no specific licensing for assisted living care. However, most care communities in Washtenaw County have either Adult Foster Care or Home for the Aged licensing. Below are decision making tools to help in evaluating care residences:
- Assisted Living Care Residence: Personal Assessment Guide (PDF) provides a way to think through your family member’s health and social needs. Use this to discuss your family member’s care needs so that you can determine if a particular assisted living care setting is appropriate.
- Assisted Living Care Residence Calculator (PDF) gives a means to estimate costs based on what is included and not included in base rates. Think about projecting costs for up to a four-year period of time. Ask how costs are expected to increase (cost of living increases are typical) and consider that your family member’s needs may increase—this will bump up costs.
The checklists below provide questions to evaluate and compare some key policies and practices of the particular place you are considering. Consider how these policies and practices will impact your family member’s comfort, safety, privacy, independence and social opportunities.
- Assisted Living Care Residence (ALR) Checklist (PDF)
- Assisted Living Checklist for Adult Foster Care (PDF)
Adult Foster Care
Adult Foster Care Homes (PDF) are small group homes that offer room, board and care for 6 -20 people who do not need continuous nursing care. Some AFCs may restrict occupancy to seniors with certain health conditions or abilities (some are not handicap accessible) and may offer residence to only men or only women. AFCs must have a written care agreement for each resident and follow a physician's health care plan.
Homes for the Aged
HFAs provide a living arrangement for 21 people or more who are 60 years and older. HFAs integrate shelter and services for older persons who need additional support, but who do not require continuous nursing care. Older adults with serious mental disturbances or who require intensive nursing care on a 24-hour basis cannot be accepted. They are listed in Retirement Residences (PDF).
Some HFAs specialize in providing assisted living for those with memory disorders. Here is the listing for Alzheimer's and Memory Loss Assisted Living Communities (PDF). Meals, 24-hour supervision, assistance with every day activities, as well as other services, are offered.
AFCs and HFAs are licensed by the Department of Human Services. For complaints call toll free 866-856-0126.
Medical Facilities
To offer 24-hour-a-day care, nursing homes operate under strict federal and state regulations. Nursing homes are licensed and surveyed by a state agency. Here is a listing of Nursing Homes in Washtenaw County (PDF). For more information about nursing homes, go to the Health Care Association of Michigan for a consumers guide on nursing homes in Michigan.
Complaints should go to: Michigan Department of Community Health, Complaint Intake toll free 800-882-6006.
