What's New in Today's Senior Housing

We all know the difficulty in the housing market across the country, but Columbus and Central Ohio is in a particularly bad spot.

No housing stock, and everyone wanting an alternative – a new place to reside. But there are many facets to the housing picture.

In this episode, we discuss multi-unit senior housing communities. Our guest is Joel Wrobbel, Director of Marketing for Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber Community.

This is such a complex question, that we thought we should focus on just a few topics – or else we will be in this discussion all day! Let’s look at:

An overview of senior housing, and in particular what has been created at your location, the Westminster-Thurber Community
Affordability of senior housing and the various levels
How can senior housing lead to a healthy lifestyle? Issues such as loneliness and isolation, physical needs (e.g. exercising), and how residential locations can decrease stress on the seniors and their family
And how the pandemic has changed senior housing – in the short term and long term planning

We usually think of senior housing in 3 levels – independent, assisted and nursing/skilled care. Are there really only those 3 levels – or should we add “aging in place” within an individual’s own home? How has this overall picture changed? And how is it different for those 55 as opposed to those 75+?

What do seniors need to consider when dealing with the cost of residential locations? How can seniors maintain a safe lifestyle without a huge bank account?

The trend now is that communities have workout rooms, activity rooms, patios or balconies, and more. Is the goal of “healthy living” driving this change?

Technology has changed in their community. Specifically the communication with the residents and family members, as well as within the facility itself.

Joel also offers some insight on changes needed to protect residents, as well as ways they’ve created needed services and space to help each person.

Connections we mentioned in the podcast you should check out...

Westminster Thurber

https://www.ohioliving.org/communities/ohio-living-westminster-thurber

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging

http://coaaa.org/

Franklin County Office on Aging

https://officeonaging.org/default.aspx

HUD approved senior housing consultants (Ohio)

https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=OH

Here's a link to a complete list of resources.

We would love to hear from you.