When the first senior complex was built in Hutchinson in 1973, people moved in at age 62, Ward said. Today, people tend to stay in their homes until their late 70s and early 80s. Two other options involve buying an apartment unit and purchasing shares in a housing corporation that grants buyers the right to occupy a particular unit in the building. When Maxfield did a housing study in 1997, seniors also occupied about 100 general occupancy units. Another study is scheduled this year.
All units offer either congregate, or assisted living.
A decade ago there was only a nursing home. Only one 32-unit complex, where residents buy their apartments, offers minimal services only. One subsidized independent complex formerly for seniors now is open to the general public, although two-thirds of the building was occupied by seniors at the time of the study. Constructing a combined independent and assisted living complex is under consideration. Out of a potential base of 1,276 senior households in the area, about one third is likely to want, or need, subsidized housing, according to the study.