Low-Income Senior Housing

Housing Options for Those on a Fixed-Budget

Hand holds a key ring with a gold key and a silver house keychain

Safe, stable, and affordable housing should be accessible to all individuals. However, keeping up with housing expenses can be particularly challenging for older adults. The Resource Center often hears about the daily struggle of balancing the costs of prescriptions, groceries, utilities and other costs of living. For both homeowners and renters, we know it can be difficult to make ends meet. The good news is that there are resources available that might offer some relief! Let’s look at the options:

Subsidized Senior Apartments

If you or a loved one are looking for an affordable apartment in a community setting, subsidized senior apartments could be an excellent option. These communities receive subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create affordable housing for low-income individuals. In addition, subsidized senior apartments offer social opportunities and maintenance-free living, and often have on-site service coordinators who can help residents access various programs and supportive services.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes known as Section 8, helps low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Because the assistance is provided on behalf of the individual, participants can choose their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses or apartments. For more information on options in the West Michigan area, contact Good Samaritan Ministries at 616-392-7159.

Adult Foster Care (AFC) and Homes for the Aged (HFA)

Adult Foster Care homes (for individuals 21 and older) and Homes for the Aged (for those 55 and older) provide 24-hour room and board, personal care, and supervision. If a resident qualifies, Medicaid may provide a supplement to help cover personal care costs. Everyone is still responsible for their own room and board. These homes can be a more affordable alternative to larger assisted living facilities. For more details, reach out to your local Department of Health and Human Services.

Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) and MI Choice Waiver

Assisted Living Facilities are designed for adults who can no longer live independently but do not require skilled nursing care. ALF’s typically offer personal care and 24-hour supervision. If you or a loved one cannot afford private pay, the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver might be an option to cover some of the costs. Specific qualifications apply, so please refer to our MI Choice Medicaid Waiver handout for more information.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)

When a person's care needs surpass what can be managed at home, a nursing facility might be the right choice. These facilities often provide skilled nursing care that can be covered by Medicare. However, for long-term custodial care (such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom), payment options may be limited to private pay, Medicaid, or a long-term care policy. It's important to plan ahead if you or a loved one don't have a long-term care policy or sufficient private funds. In such cases, you may need to apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Health and Human Services. For more details, refer to our Nursing Home Medicaid handout.

Feeling Frustrated?

It’s perfectly normal to feel frustrated or discouraged if you're struggling to find affordable housing. But you are not alone. In addition to the options listed above, there are numerous public and private programs in our community that help relieve finances for older adults with limited income through assistance with home heating and cooling, health care, prescriptions, food and other essential expenses.