Elderly Living in the Community:

Helping an older individual remain in the community requires the creation of living environments that maximize the individual's strengths while providing supportive services in the areas of decreasing competency. Historically, the community care system has not been viewed by reimbursers as terribly important. The aging of the population, plus the high cost of institutional care has resulted in renewed interest in services provided in one's own home. However, there are both challenges and opportunities in providing such service. Adapting supportive housing and neighborhood environments which help unstable persons remain in their homes is crucial to this effort.