Senior Housing

Subsidized Housing

Throughout Vermont, there are subsidized senior apartments for people who are at least 62 years old or who have a disability. In general, these apartments charge 30 percent of the resident’s gross income, which pays for rent and utilities. Income limits apply and change yearly.

Waiting Lists: There is a great demand for senior subsidized housing, and each housing development keeps a waiting list of applicants. Waiting lists are updated regularly; it is the applicant’s obligation to inform the housing management of any changes (e.g., address).

Preferences: Some subsidized housing considers preferences, in addition to chronological date of application, in determining position on a waiting list. Preferences may include:

• applicants paying more than 50 percent of their gross income for rent and utilities
• applicants currently living in substandard housing
• applicants who are involuntarily displaced.

Not all subsidized housing developments offer preferences, but if the application requests information and you think you may meet a preference, you will need to fill out that section.

Other Rental Housing

Other rental options may be more readily available (i.e., no waiting lists), and may offer services such as building security, emergency call buttons in each unit, meals, transportation to shopping or medical appointments, homemaker services, or on-site staff.

• Affordable Housing: Some apartment buildings, while not regulated as strictly as subsidized housing, offer an affordable option for low and moderate income seniors. Rent is based on the person’s income. Some number of units may also qualify for a subsidy.
• Senior Apartments: Some apartment buildings rent exclusively to seniors, and may offer additional services, such as social activities.
• Rooming houses provide single rooms in shared group residences. Preference is generally given to homeless persons or those with a disability.

Retirement Communities

• Continuing Care Retirement Community: Residents enter into an agreement that guarantees life-long provision of housing, health services, long term care services, and social and recreational outlets. Costs include an initial entrance fee and monthly fees.
• Condominium: Residents purchase individual condominium units, and pay a monthly service fee. Services may include meal(s), emergency call system, social activity, and housekeeping.
• Mobile Home or Modular Home Developments restrict their residents to adults over a certain age. They may offer additional services, such as meals, or social activities.

Shared Housing

Shared housing is a living arrangement where two or more unrelated people share a home or apartment to their mutual advantage. Each person has a private bedroom and shares common living areas, much like a family would. Benefits include reduced costs, security, and companionship.

There are two types of shared housing: match-up and group shared residence. In match-ups, homeowners share their homes with homeseekers who pay rent. Many matches are intergenerational and/or entail the provision of services in exchange for a reduction in rent. Group shared residences involve a number of people living cooperatively in a single large dwelling. Services such as cooking, laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance are often provided. Residents have a voice in decisions concerning the management and operation of the household.

Licensed Facilities

These definitions are from the State of Vermont Division of Licensing & Protection, a division of the Agency of Human Services - Department of Disabilities, Aging &  Independent Living (DAIL). These websites have lists of Licensed Facilities outside of CVAA's four-county area.

Nursing Homes

Provide nursing care and related services for people who need nursing, medical, rehabilitation, or other special services. They are licensed by the state and may be certified to participate in the Medicaid and/or Medicare programs. Certain nursing homes may also meet specific standards for subacute care or dementia care.

Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes are state licensed group living arrangements designed to meet the needs of people who can not live independently and usually do not require the type of care provided in a nursing home. When needed, help is provided with daily activities such as eating, walking, toileting, bathing, and dressing. Residential care homes may provide nursing home level of care to residents under certain conditions. Daily rates at residential care homes are usually less than rates at nursing homes.

Residential care homes are divided into two groups, depending upon the level of care they provide. Level III homes provide nursing overview, but not full-time nursing care. Level IV homes do not provide nursing overview or nursing care.

There are Level III homes that are also designated as Enhanced Residential Care (ERC) providers which is a program that allows the residential care home to have a designated number of beds that are occupied by residents that need a higher level of care.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted Living Facilities are state licensed residences that combine housing, health and supportive services to support resident independence and aging in place. At a minimum, assisted living residences shall offer, within a homelike setting, a private bedroom, private bath, living space, kitchen capacity, and a lockable door. Assisted living shall promote resident self-direction and active participation in decision-making while emphasizing individuality, privacy and dignity. Assisted Living Facilities must meet the Licensing Regulations effective 3/15/2003 as well as the Residential Care Home Licensing Regulations which are designed to protect the welfare and rights of residents to ensure that residents receive quality care.

Housing & Licensed Facilities - lists in PDF file format

• Senior Subsidized Housing
• Senior Non-Subsidized Housing
• Licensed Facilities in Vermont - includes:
  • Nursing Homes
  • Licensed Residential Care Homes – Level III
  • Terminal Care Facilities
  • Assisted Living Facilities

To learn more about the Senior Health Insurance Program, please call our Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 or email us at info@cvaa.org.