Alternative Housing Options for Long-Term Care

As of June 2022, there were about 370 Green House homes in 32 states, according to the organization. They aim to take the sterility out of long-term care, providing a warm environment with a focus on community, well-being and happiness.

With six to 10 residents per home, Green Houses provide each person with a private room and bathroom that can be decorated to the individual’s liking. Each Green House has an open living and dining area, emphasizing the importance of social relationships among the residents and staff. 

Aging in Place

There are organizations popping up all over the country that cater to older adults who prefer to stay in their homes rather than moving to retirement communities, assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Here are two examples.

Beacon Hill Village

Boston’s Beacon Hill Village is an organization that caters to a community of older adults who want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. Around 350 Bostonians age 50 and older partake in Beacon Hill Village’s services, which include everything from dog walking to geriatric care management.

Beacon Hill Village operates on a membership basis, with both subsidized and unsubsidized options available. Members can take advantage of social activities, day trips and exercise classes in addition to the basic services. 

Capitol Hill Village

Capitol Hill Village is a nonprofit membership organization in the District of Columbia that offers typical retirement-home services in an in-home setting. Developed by a group of local retirees, this organization’s main function is to provide a network of services to individuals so they can continue to live in their own homes as long as possible.

Members can get help with everything from gardening and household chores to in-home health care. This is another example of older adults taking charge of their future and is a model that can be replicated in other cities, suburbs and rural areas around the country.

Additional Resources

There are many more facilities and communities in the United States and abroad that are taking the needs of our older loved ones to heart. For information and resources for older adults wishing to remain in their own homes or communities-at-large, check out AARP’s Age-Friendly Archive.

This article, originally published Sept. 28, 2011, has been updated with more recent information about these long-term care organizations.