A recent grant from Lutheran Services of America, helped to fund 16 new computer stations in 16 Graceworks Housing Services communities. HUD does not provide funds for purchasing computers. With a lack of funding for technology, many communities had older computer that were donated by the community. Providing up-to-date computers with high-speed internet access, helps residents to address feelings of loneliness and isolation. The new computers have empowered residents to reach out to friends and family, attend online bible study groups, research questions, play games, connect with their doctors, apply for and update their benefits information, and order online.

One resident commented, “I’m able to stay in touch with my family and friends when I use the computer. I’ve discovered many new websites that I’m learning to use.” Other residents have mentioned, “I like using the computer during the day because it gets me out of my apartment so I don’t sit around all day and I can meet up with friends in the community room.”

Connecting seniors online has helped expand their opportunities to learn and interact with a wider community of people and has added new social opportunities for engagement and social activities. We are grateful for the support of Lutheran Services of America.

We all deserve quality, safe housing that is also affordable. Living in the right housing environment promotes better mental and physical health and a better quality of life for everyone. These positive outcomes, in turn, support healthier communities.

Affordable housing is especially important to the well-being of seniors. Housing instability–such as high housing costs or poor house quality–can lead to physical and mental distress, difficulty sleeping and depression. When housing costs take a significant portion from already-limited incomes, many seniors are forced to curtail spending on life necessities like food, healthcare, transportation or, in many cases, in-home assistance.

Affordable housing helps seniors achieve stability

A majority of seniors today want to stay in their own homes as they age. Moreover, having a safe, comfortable place to live is even more significant to older adults aging in place, since they will spend much of their time there.

Affordable housing can improve the stability of seniors living at home by freeing up their resources for food and in-home care. Ensuring that housing is easily accessible to in-home caregivers is also key to helping older adults age safely and comfortably.

Affordable housing helps seniors take better care of their health

It’s a fact of life that as we age, we develop more chronic illnesses. Heart disease, strokes, auto-immune conditions such as arthritis, asthma and diabetes are some of the most common chronic conditions faced by older adults. Unfortunately, living on a limited income causes many seniors to postpone essential medical visits or delay buying the medications they need to properly monitor and treat these illnesses.

Another too-common situation among this population is a high incidence of hospital readmissions. One contributing factor is the lack of an appropriate place to recover after a hospital stay. For seniors to recover adequately, accessible, affordable senior housing is a must. The right housing can also serve as a suitable place to receive wellness and therapeutic services during post-hospital recovery.

Affordable housing helps seniors live more safely

One of the most significant contributors to health care costs and emergency visits among aging adults is falling. About one in four adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors, and most of these dangerous accidents happen at home.

Safety and accessibility improvements in homes—such as shower and bath bars and non-slippery floor surfaces—can help prevent these injuries. Other safety features seniors at home can benefit from include fall monitoring systems and wearable emergency alert devices. Affordable housing helps put these safety features within reach for older adults living on small, fixed incomes.

Affordable housing is more than a place to live

The goals for seniors aging in place is to achieve good health and mental well-being so they can live enriched lives for many years to come. Some affordable housing communities, such as those offered by Graceworks Housing Services, are conveniently located near services and amenities that allow older adults to maintain their schedules and live more independently in their homes.

Graceworks Housing Services recognizes that affordable housing is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. With well-maintained apartment communities available throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, there’s bound to be one that’s right for you or your loved one. For more information about Graceworks Housing Services, pleasecontact us today.

In our ever-changing digital world, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest technological trends. But it can be especially frustrating for older adults, who may be learning technology for the first time. While today’s teens grew up surrounded by smartphones, wireless internet, and social networking sites, the digital world is a relatively new experience for older adults.

This isn’t to say that older generations aren’t interested in embracing digital technology. In fact, according to Pew Research, seniors are more digitally connected than ever before, with 67% of adults ages 65 and older saying they go online. However, the research also found that one barrier to seniors joining the online world is the need for assistance. Of the respondents, 77% said they’d need someone to assist them with using new digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers.

Getting older adults “plugged in” to technology isn’t always an easy process, but there are ways to help bridge the generational gap in tech savviness. At one of the Graceworks Housing Services communities, a unique partnership was formed when local teens met with older adults to help them navigate the internet and digital devices, set up social media accounts, and communicate with friends and loved ones through technology.

Once a month, students of the Bellefontaine High School DECA program walked down the street to visit Graceworks Luther Community, which offers affordable housing for seniors 62 and older with limited income. The students volunteered their time and talents to teach the residents technological skills, answer their questions, and build their confidence in the digital world.

For residents in the Luther Community, learning technology opened up a world of possibilities.

“This program is important to our residents because it gives them an opportunity to learn something new, something out of the box that’s a little creative,” said LeAnnea Taylor, Service Coordinator at Luther Community.

In the end, the rewards of the collaborative program extended beyond the benefits of learning technology. During every visit, generational differences were overcome and new friendships blossomed.

“I really love the fact that the partnership has helped bridge the gap,” said Katie Rychener, DECA Advisor at Bellefontaine High School. “While we’re talking about technology, we’re also learning about relationships.”

For students, the partnership gave them an opportunity to share their knowledge of technology and make a difference in the lives of the residents.

Brooke Miranda, one of DECA student volunteers from Bellefontaine High School, said she loved participating in the program. “I love helping people,” she said. “And I love knowing that my happiness can make someone else happy.”

To learn more about the innovative technology program and Graceworks Housing Services, watch this video from the 2018 Graceworks Lutheran Services Annual Report.

Graceworks Housing Services is affiliated with Graceworks Lutheran Services, which has devoted nearly a century to faithfully caring for the needs of all people. Incorporated in 1926, Graceworks Lutheran Services provides residential and personal services to help individuals achieve stability in their lives. We serve people of all faiths through our apartment communities located throughout Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

For more information on our safe and affordable housing options for low-income elderly or disabled individuals, please contact us. We are happy to speak with you and answer your questions.

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, it’s projected that the number of Americans over the age of 65 will more than double by 2040, increasing to about 91 million. The rapid growth of the senior population means that there will be an increased need for housing options that are safe, affordable, and accessible for older adults who want to age in place.

However, for older adults with limited income and/or disabilities, access to affordable housing can be a major barrier. Modifying or renovating a home to accommodate changing needs (such as limited physical mobility) is often expensive, especially for older adults already living on small, fixed incomes. Seniors residing in houses without accessibility features may be more likely to experience dangerous accidents like falls when trying to move around their home. Likewise, older adults with limited mobility may become socially isolated if it is difficult to leave their homes.

Without supportive services, home accessibility features, and access to transportation to nearby conveniences such as grocery and retail stores, and medical facilities, older adults with limited income and/or disabilities may be unable to age in place safely and comfortably.

To meet the unique needs of this vulnerable senior population, Graceworks Housing Services offers affordable, accessible housing options. Designed for retirees living on fixed incomes or older adults who need a supportive downsizing option, Graceworks Housing Services is a safe and comfortable solution that helps older adults enjoy more independence and improved quality of life.

Graceworks Housing Services recognizes that housing is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. For this reason, Graceworks apartments are like communities within themselves. Residents enjoy common areas for social, recreational, and educational activities, allowing them to create new friendships with their peers in a welcoming, caring, and familial environment.

Each individual’s residence is designed to be clean, secure, and offer accessibility features for older adults with mobility impairments. The apartment communities include appliances, affordable utilities, laundry facilities, and 24/7 on-site maintenance staff in case of emergency repairs. Most communities are located near grocery stores, shopping centers, medical facilities, and other local resources, enabling residents to remain fully connected and engaged within their respective communities.

With 18 Graceworks apartment communities available throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, there’s bound to be one that’s right for you or your loved one. For more information about our supportive housing services, contact us today.