Planning for Aging-friendly Homes
An aging population is driving many demographic shifts. In the U.S., by 2030 one in five persons will be 65 and older, and by 2034 the number of older adults will exceed the number of children for the first time in U.S. history. Like the U.S., Chester County's senior population is projected to comprise 20% of the total population by 2030. The County's population of those 65 and older is anticipated to nearly double from 74,587 to 145,040 residents between 2015 and 2045.
The increased senior population will have significant impacts on housing in the County. Municipalities will need to adapt their housing as seniors age by creating additional housing diversity including smaller, affordably-priced, and age restricted housing units.
Resources
Chester County Resources
While multiple departments within the County of Chester work with the senior population, three departments currently complete work that is particularly applicable to housing for an aging population; the Department of Aging Services, the Department of Community Development, and the Planning Commission. Each of these three departments offers unique services and programs, working to help ensure safe and quality housing for the senior population.
Chester County Department of Aging Services — Providing Human Services for the Senior Population
The Chester County Department of Aging Services and numerous programs and services help seniors age-in-community safely. Services include a Nursing Home Transition program, Nursing Facility Assessments, Options Program, PDA Waiver Program, and a Personal Care Boarding Home Supplement.
Chester County Department of Community Development — Developing Affordable Homes for the Senior Population
The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) provides housing, neighborhood improvement, workforce development, and social services to citizens so that they can have the opportunity to live and work in a safe, stable, and diverse community.
DCD administers Federal, State and County funds to address affordable housing, homeless assistance, community and economic development, job training, and provides career services at the PA CareerLink® - Chester County.
DCD serves as the Coordinating Agency for the Decade to Doorways Partnership, the Community's 10-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in Chester County. All of these programs help seniors in the county.
Chester County Planning Commission — Planning for the Senior Population
The Chester County Planning Commission recognizes the need for housing to evolve to meet changing needs. Landscapes3, the County's comprehensive plan supports housing for an aging population through multiple goals, objectives and recommendations, but most specifically through the Live Goal
The Chester County Planning Commission and Department of Community Development have jointly worked to create new programs to implement Landscapes3 housing goals. In 2019 the County created the Housing Choices Committee to work towards implementing Chester County housing goals. In 2019, the County began the A+ Homes initiative, which calls for supportive policy, innovative design and regulation, and partnerships between community stakeholders.
Other Resources
AARP Livable Communities Multiple resources and data for planning for seniors.
AARP Making Room Housing for a Changing America Data and recommendations for housing an aging population.
The American Planning Association Policy Guide on Aging in Community Policy recommendations for planning to house seniors.
The American Planning Association, Age-Friendly Communities Resources to plan communities for all ages.
The American Planning Association, Planning Aging-Supportive Communities Research, data, and recommendations for planning for aging supportive communities.
U.S. Census, Old Housing, New Needs Are U.S. Homes Ready for an Aging Population: Publication providing estimates of housing units and future needs in the U.S.
DVRPC, Age-Friendly Communities Regional data and reports relating to senior housing.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Information on funding sources and regulations.