70 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Developing and Operating Supportive Housing for Seniors

This guide is designed to help interested individuals and groups develop and operate affordable housing for seniors. It is intended to assist groups ranging from non-profit organizations with no experience in seniors housing to operators of large assisted living facilities. The term "supportive housing" refers to housing situations ranging from completely independent seniors housing to licensed residential care (nursing homes). The guide focuses on housing that provides hospitality services (meals, laundry, housekeeping, social and recreational activities) or personal care services (help with bathing, dressing, eating) or both. Research into existing supportive housing projects suggests opportunities for streamlining costs and improving efficiency. This guide provides guidelines, comparisons and suggestions that will save money in the development, construction and operation of supportive housing projects for seniors. A total of 55 individuals and organizations were interviewed during the preparation of this report.