Living/Lifestyle Options…

Choose Your Lifestyle

The greater Eugene-Springfield area boasts a number of active adult communities for those looking to simplify and stay active, as well as assisted living and supportive services for those needing a little help from time to time. The Downsizing Eugene™ team is familiar with the various communities available throughout the area and are happy to assist you as you begin your search.

Below you will find brief descriptions of 55+ lifestyles choices available with links to the greater Eugene-Springfield area communities best fitting the categories listed. While we do our best to categorize communities accurately, it is always important to verify the services offered by visiting the community personally. Our team can arrange appointments on your behalf or provide you with trusted points of contact at the respective properties. Call 541-514-1141 or email info@downsizing.com to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Planned Adult or Active Adult Communities

Characterized by clusters of apartments and condominiums or single-family homes built around a core of services and amenities. A governing body administers a set of covenants, codes, and restrictions to which property owners and renters are required to comply.

Residents can own their property and the governing entity deals with the policies of the community facilities, property requirements, as well as charges and assessments for an association of homeowners. In some parts of the country, such communities are promoted as recreational and are located on golf courses and lakes. Minimum age restrictions for residents and owners are typical of these communities.

At the current time, there are no planned adult or active adult communities of this type in or around the greater Eugene-Springfield area, but we can connect you with qualified agents all around the world if you are looking to relocate. Call 541-514-1141 or email info@downsizingeugene.com to request a referral.

55+ Neighborhoods

Deed restricted communities and apartments specify minimum age restrictions for residents who are interested in living around adults with a similar demographic profile.

While the amenities in these types of communities vary (many are gated), a critical advantage among aging individuals and the mobility-challenged is a property and a community that can accommodate their needs and usually has convenient access to shopping and transportation.

Exterior Maintenance-Provided Communities

Appealing to those who are looking to downsize and simplify their lives and are NOT necessarily looking to move into a 55+ only environment. Options for mature homeowners may include condominiums, town-homes, duplexes, or garden homes with an outdoor patio space or small garden area, usually maintained by an association.

In-law apartments, cottages, and suites

Traditionally smaller living spaces either connected to or near the property of a family member or caregiver. Sometimes referred to as a multi-generational property, more and more families are seeking out homes and/or adding on to existing properties to comfortably accommodate aging parents. Not all locales have zoning laws and ordinances that allow for this type of arrangement.

Email Downsizing Eugene or call 541-514-1141 for information about the greater Eugene-Springfield area multi-generational properties. These types of residences are rarely for sale and do not stay on the market long. Let us scout them out for you when you are ready!

55+ Active Adult Apartments

Unlike traditional apartment living, 55+ apartment complexes and neighborhoods offer a variety of features for improved accessibility without the burden of routine interior or exterior maintenance. Residents who choose these communities appreciate the “kid-free” environment and enjoy resident-led social activities within the community. Meals nor transportation are included, making it a more affordable option for those who still enjoy cooking and who have their own transportation (or use public transportation options). Most complexes are located in areas with easy access to key services, restaurants, shopping, and medical clinics. Sometimes marketed as “55 and better living.”

Independent Living Communities

Sometimes advertised as active adult communities and typically characterized by apartment-style buildings offering a variety of services including meals, housekeeping, transportation, home maintenance, social activities, emergency alert systems, and 24-hour staffing.

Not requiring a license, some are affiliated with churches, schools, or other community programs and have minimum age requirement which vary. Rents are most often based on annual leases priced according to market demand and collected monthly. Medical care is not provided by the community. However, most will assist the resident with arranging for independent home health services if needed on a short-term basis. If medical care or supportive services reach a level beyond local or state mandated guidelines, residents no longer qualify for residency.

Units are private, offered in a range of sizes and floor plans, and sometimes include attached or detached covered parking, balconies, or outdoor patios. Common spaces typically include fitness centers, pools, libraries, club rooms, theaters, and private dining rooms for resident use.

Options Requiring a Little to a Lot of Care

Assisted Living Communities

Designed for individuals who need regular assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, housekeeping, transportation, and medication monitoring in order to maximize autonomy and independence. Residents have access to in-house amenities such as salons, spas swimming pools, private dining areas, theaters, and club rooms.

Assisted living communities are typically private pay and vary in price dependent upon services, apartment size, and market demand. Rents are collected on a month-to-month basis, though some may require a lease agreement. Apartments are private, yet usually small, and tend to include a kitchenette. Meals are provided in a common dining area, usually three times daily and medical services available are based on the licensure type for the particular facility (not all assisted living communities have the same licensure).

Skilled Nursing and Long-term Care

Known historically as “rest homes” or “nursing homes,” residents are typically unable to live independently, requiring a level of assistance beyond that which assisted living communities are licensed to provide.

Skilled nursing offers 24-hour care, assistance with bathing, feeding, grooming, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medically necessary services. A nursing care community can be a temporary arrangement used only as a rehabilitation stay or it can be permanent if on-going medical care and/or supervision is required.

Levels of care may vary from unit to unit within the same building and privacy is often limited. Some communities accept only private-pay patients, while others accept those using long-term care insurance or other government.

Memory Care Communities

Devoted to residents diagnosed with cognitive impairments (i.e. dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.) requiring specialized support and monitoring. Such residences are either stand-alone communities or located within a defined area of Skilled or Assisted Living Community.

Security codes are required for access, both to enter and exit, helping to safeguard residents who are apt to wander. Such communities typically offer pet therapy, social activities, meals, medication maintenance, housekeeping, caregiver support services, and medical care in accordance with their licensing.

Residential Care Assisted Living

Also referred to as group homes, residential assisted living, or board and care homes, usually located in noncommercial buildings within residential neighborhoods. The services provided and level of care are similar to that of larger congregate assisted living communities, however, they are usually only licensed in Oregon for up to 5 residents at any given time. Local and state regulations define the parameters of these homes.

Continuing Care Communities (CCRCs)

Offering independent senior adults the ability to live on the same campus and transition within varying levels of care as needed. Continuing Care Retirement Communities offering “life care” contracts typically require an entrance fee plus monthly lease payments, however, most contracts include a prorated portion of the entrance fee to be refunded, depending on the length of stay in the community.

A Life Care contract, sometimes referred to as an “extensive care plan,” is often marketed as being similar to Long-Term Care Insurance. It stipulates that the resident will remain in the community for the rest of his or her life (excluding acute hospital care), with no cost increase except for normal, yearly inflation.

Generally speaking, those entering Continuing Care Communities must be able to live independently at the time of initial occupancy and are required to pass a physical exam and be financially pre-qualified.

Subsidized and Public Senior Housing

Available in varying forms and at a variety of senior complexes throughout the country. Most, although not all, are made up of multi-level or multi-unit apartments and offer transportation, reduced fee meal plans, on-site activities, and home maintenance support.

While the décor may not be as lavish as Assisted Living and Continuing Care Communities, the buildings and grounds are typically well maintained and offer an affordable option for lower income residents who qualify. Due to the lack of availability in many locales, waiting lists can be quite long. The application process for funding or reduced rent varies from locale to locale.

Seniors Helping Seniors & Their Families