With the cost of senior housing rising, along with a strong desire for connection during the twilight years, it’s no wonder why many aging adults and their families have started thinking about senior roommates and shared housing. If you’re considering a roommate, you’re probably wondering what the benefits may be and how to find the best roommate or shared housing option to meet your needs.
The advantages of shared housing are dependent on a person’s specific situation, says Dr. Ozan Toy, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Telapsychiatry who has experience working with patients in senior communities. “If it’s the right fit, then these arrangements may reduce living costs,” he explains. “Some patients actually find that their social and mental health benefit from these living arrangements due to constant companionship and decreased isolation.”
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of senior roommates and senior home sharing, including input from senior living experts on how to make the right choice for yourself or a loved one.
What is shared housing for seniors?
“Shared housing for seniors refers to living arrangements where seniors share a residence with others, helping to reduce costs and provide companionship,” says Dr. Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging.
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This may include scenarios where seniors live in congregate settings but have their own private rooms — such as in a senior apartment or group home — or scenarios where they room with another senior. These living arrangements occur in a variety of settings and formats, according to Ferri, including:
- Independent living communities: Residents may share a common area but have their own private living spaces and/or a roommate.
- Assisted living communities: Residents may room share or have separate bedrooms in a shared suite.
- Nursing homes: Patients receive a high level of care and assistance with the activities of daily living. Roommates are common in many nursing home facilities.
- Group homes for seniors: Seniors are offered both shared and private living arrangements. Generally, these are smaller and more intimate senior living facilities that can address limited medical needs.
- Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs): Residents may cohabitate or live alone within communities or neighborhoods that support aging in place.
Keep in mind that while many assisted living communities and nursing homes allow residents to choose their own roommates, not all of them do, Ferri says. Some will simply assign you a roommate based on specific needs or availability.
“It’s always best for seniors and their families to discuss these details with the facility during the selection process,” Ferri suggests. “Understanding the policies in place can help set realistic expectations to choose a facility that is best for you.”
“Shared housing is cost-effective, reducing expenses like utilities, rent and groceries.”
—Dr. Brittany Ferri, occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging.
Why is shared housing for seniors a good idea?
There are numerous perks for seniors when they opt into shared housing arrangements or decide to live with a roommate, our experts say. Let’s take a close look at these benefits.
Financial
As adults move into their later years and their housing needs change, they often are faced with financial burdens that they didn’t plan for or which may be beyond their means. A shared living situation can alleviate some of this burden.
“Shared housing is cost-effective, reducing expenses like utilities, rent and groceries,” says Ferri. In many care facilities, sharing a room is also significantly cheaper than opting for a private space.
Daily living assistance
In many shared housing situations that cater to seniors, there is extra help available for some of the tasks of daily living and home maintenance that may become challenging. Depending on your setup, you often don’t have to worry about tasks like cooking, getting to community appointments or maintaining your living space, Ferri says.
Social benefits
Shared housing “offers supportive caregiving, as living among peers can be beneficial for your well-being,” Ferri says. “These settings enhance social interactions, helping prevent loneliness and fostering a sense of community.”
Having a vibrant social life is linked to many health benefits for seniors, including a lower risk of depression, increased physical activity, more positive moods and a lowered risk of dementia.
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Mental health
Seniors face a loneliness epidemic, with almost a quarter of adults aged 65 and up experiencing social isolation. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, social isolation is linked to mental health issues like anxiety, depression and even suicide. Dr. Michelle Feng, a licensed psychologist specializing in geriatric psychology, says shared housing can be an antidote to some of this isolation and provide significant mental health benefits.
“Meaningful connections can reduce feelings of isolation, and shared housing can offer a beneficial sense of community and connection,” Feng describes. “Seeing and interacting with others can be a good way to ‘get out of our own heads’ and engage in life with others.”
Safety and security
It can be worrisome when a senior with health problems, balance issues, cognitive difficulty or any type of vulnerability is living alone at home. One advantage of many shared housing options for seniors is that they provide an extra layer of safety. “These environments also typically have better safety and security and quick help during emergencies, offering peace of mind for both seniors and their families,” Ferri says.
Considerations before moving into shared housing for seniors
“When considering a move, think about what support you could benefit from now and in the future,” Feng suggests.
One thing to weigh is what your care needs are, and how they might change over time. “Some shared housing options have more built-in support while others are created for totally independent individuals,” says Feng.
According to Ferri, factors to consider before selecting a shared housing option include:
- The kind of community or environment you prefer.
- The level of independence you want and need.
- Any health conditions you have and what care you might need for those.
- The types of activities and amenities offered.
- How close the housing is to healthcare facilities.
- How close the housing is to family.
- The population that lives in the housing area or community.
- Whether you think you’ll get along with potential roommates.
How to find the right senior roommate or living situation
If you’ve decided to move into a shared housing situation or you are looking for a potential roommate, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? “To find the right roommate or living situation, start by defining your needs and preferences, like quietness, cleanliness and lifestyle habits,” Ferri suggests.
After this, you can start to search for senior living options that meet your needs. You can do this by:
- Researching senior community centers.
- Looking at online forums or online reviews.
- Using a service that specializes in matching seniors to roommates.
- Asking friends and families for referrals.
- Asking your physician for suggestions.
“While new environments may bring changes, understanding and preserving your valued routines can help you feel more at home.”
—Dr. Michelle Feng, licensed geriatric psychologist
As for roommates in particular, finding the right roommate can be tricky at any age, notes Toy. “I recommend that surveys should be filled out prior to picking a roommate to see where each individual stands on important daily living preferences,” he suggests. Toy and the other experts suggest checking for compatibility in the following areas:
- Shared interests.
- Complementary day-to-day routines.
- Preferred hobbies and activities, such as watching TV or spending time outdoors.
- Schedule preferences, such as being an early riser or a night owl.
- Health needs and physical abilities.
“Sharing these preferences can help ensure you maintain cherished aspects of your routine, even in a new living situation,” Feng adds. “While new environments may bring changes, understanding and preserving your valued routines can help you feel more at home.”
Lastly, Ferri says, it’s important to meet potential roommates in safe environments and discuss expectations and lifestyles to make sure you’re compatible. You may want to consider a trial period to see if the living situation works for you before making a longer-term commitment, she adds.
The bottom line
How and where to live during your older years is a deeply personal choice — one that also depends on life circumstances, finances, personal preferences and health. For many seniors, deciding to live with others, either in a congregate setting or as roommates, is a good choice that can address financial, social and mental health concerns. But it’s not the best choice for everyone.
You and the loved ones in your life should take some time to make this decision, Feng emphasizes. Think carefully about the best way to meet your social, financial and emotional goals, including what will ultimately contribute to longterm happiness. “It is important to understand your or your loved one’s needs,” she says. “This way, you can ensure they’re provided the things that make life worth living.”
