Subsidized Versus Unsubsidized Senior Housing Communities in PA: A Window on Variation in Health, Function, and Access to Services in Old Age

Abstract

Introduction : Independent Living residences for older adults can be divided into two categories and require better definitions for research purposes; the purpose of this manuscript is to provide those definitions and explore variation in provided services and resident characteristics: (a) Subsidized age-based housing (55+) (Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing units for low-income adults), and (b) non-subsidized age-based housing. Methods: Residents in the two settings were compared: 37 subsidized locations ( p = 289 residents) and 19 non-subsidized ( p = 208). Aging support services in each housing type were quantified. Results: Subsidized residents are more likely to be female (84.6% vs. 70.2%, p = .0002) and have fair-poor health (36.5% vs. 12.5%, p < .0001), frequent pain (28.4% vs. 12.8%, p < .0001), and fair-poor mobility (37.5% vs. 23.5%, p = .0298). Non-subsidized locations are more likely to offer support services; on average, residents are older (mean age 83vs. 75; p < .0001) and white (97.6% vs. 69.2%, p < .0001). Conclusion: Significant differences exist between populations living in subsidized and non-subsidized housing, suggesting the effect of cumulative disadvantage over the lifespan; populations in poorer health have access to fewer services. Research is needed to explore generalizability on a national level.