Senior Transition Guide Stays Up to Date on Senior Housing Laws at Fair Housing Act Conference
Staff members of the Senior Transition Guide an informational website dedicated to help seniors age successfully attended a conference on the Fair Housing Act to learn more about the laws and regulations affecting the senior housing sector.
Phoenix, AZ, March 27, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The Senior Transition Guide, a senior care guide and website based in Phoenix, AZ, was proud to take part in a Fair Housing Act Conference hosted by LeadingAge-AZ on Friday, March 13, 2015.
The Senior Transition Guide was represented at the meeting, which was held in Phoenix at the headquarters for LeadingAge Arizona, a non-profit organization that represents non-profit senior housing communities in the state. Genny Rose, the executive director of LeadingAge Arizona, hosted the meeting.
The Senior Transition Guide was developed to educate the public on the many options available with the increased longevity of the 65+ population and members of the development team have been attending educational conferences like this for more than 30 years.
The Fair Housing Act is important to staff members of the Senior Transition Guide because it was designed to allow homeowners and renters to choose where they want to live and protect them from discrimination. This piece of legislation gives everyone a fair shot at obtaining the best available housing that they can afford.
The act also covers renters and those who own senior living accommodations, and it can help them in situations where an injury or other emergency occurs.
Jon Scott Williams, Executive Director for the Senior Transition Guide, explained that these situations can help protect renters from discrimination, but it could lead to dangerous situations for some.
"I don't have the right to say 'no' to someone who wants to live on the fourth floor of an apartment building, even if they are severely compromised unable to evacuate the building in an emergency," Williams pointed out. The Fair Housing Act in senior housing applies mainly to unlicensed apartments. Management must respect the wishes of residents even if their choice could in fact endanger their safety.
In our litigious society these situations could lead to lawsuits later on. While at the conference, those present discussed to comply the Fair Housing Act's sections and protect management, families, and residents from making poor but legal choices.
"If you don't have a way of qualifying your residents, you can end up putting your organization unnecessarily at risk," said Williams. "If the location isn't good for [the individual], then they or their family might sue you."
The Fair Housing Act was needed to correct wrongs of the past but as the 65+ population and the over 85+ population is growing exponentially the stakeholders must work together to develop communities that are centers of aging excellence , Williams explained, Senior living communities especially not-for-profit need to protect themselves and educate the consumer on what their rights are, as the laws and regulations ofthe Fair Housing Act have evolved over time.
One of the many advantages for anyone using the Senior Transition Guide is that they can often avoid situations like the one above. At the conference, Kristie Larsen spoke up and mentioned that the guide asks potential customers questions to help them find the right living situation an environment in which they can thrive not just survive.
The eight questions on the Senior Transition Guide range from "How would you rate your quality of life, including socialization, health and nutrition?" to "Have you had any falls in the last six months?"
These questions direct seniors to the types of living situations they should be looking for. "If they've had a slip or fall in the past, it would be in their best interest to answer truthfully and then see what type of living situation the system recommends for them," William explained.
Williams and the other staff members at the Senior Transition Guide are proud of the questionnaire, which has prevented mistakes in housing choices for those moving into senior living. It also benefits senior communities themselves and holds those living community companies less liable if there is an accident involving a resident.
"Going to this conference is just a part of our continuing education," Williams commented on the informative and education content of the guide. "It helps us get up to speed on all housing laws."
According to Williams, using the Senior Transition Guide can also provide the best level of protection for everyone involved in senior housing.
"Some places are so desperate to sell, they'll move you into anything," he said. "The magic is to educate the seniors on what they need or will need in the future. That protects people from lawsuits but more importantly they make better choices."
About the Senior Transition Guide
The Senior Transition Guide is a not-for-profit organization that aims to connect people around the country with the information, tools and resources needed to know their options for senior care. They help families consider their options for this important transition period. To learn more, visit seniorlivinghomeguide.org.
The Senior Transition Guide was represented at the meeting, which was held in Phoenix at the headquarters for LeadingAge Arizona, a non-profit organization that represents non-profit senior housing communities in the state. Genny Rose, the executive director of LeadingAge Arizona, hosted the meeting.
The Senior Transition Guide was developed to educate the public on the many options available with the increased longevity of the 65+ population and members of the development team have been attending educational conferences like this for more than 30 years.
The Fair Housing Act is important to staff members of the Senior Transition Guide because it was designed to allow homeowners and renters to choose where they want to live and protect them from discrimination. This piece of legislation gives everyone a fair shot at obtaining the best available housing that they can afford.
The act also covers renters and those who own senior living accommodations, and it can help them in situations where an injury or other emergency occurs.
Jon Scott Williams, Executive Director for the Senior Transition Guide, explained that these situations can help protect renters from discrimination, but it could lead to dangerous situations for some.
"I don't have the right to say 'no' to someone who wants to live on the fourth floor of an apartment building, even if they are severely compromised unable to evacuate the building in an emergency," Williams pointed out. The Fair Housing Act in senior housing applies mainly to unlicensed apartments. Management must respect the wishes of residents even if their choice could in fact endanger their safety.
In our litigious society these situations could lead to lawsuits later on. While at the conference, those present discussed to comply the Fair Housing Act's sections and protect management, families, and residents from making poor but legal choices.
"If you don't have a way of qualifying your residents, you can end up putting your organization unnecessarily at risk," said Williams. "If the location isn't good for [the individual], then they or their family might sue you."
The Fair Housing Act was needed to correct wrongs of the past but as the 65+ population and the over 85+ population is growing exponentially the stakeholders must work together to develop communities that are centers of aging excellence , Williams explained, Senior living communities especially not-for-profit need to protect themselves and educate the consumer on what their rights are, as the laws and regulations ofthe Fair Housing Act have evolved over time.
One of the many advantages for anyone using the Senior Transition Guide is that they can often avoid situations like the one above. At the conference, Kristie Larsen spoke up and mentioned that the guide asks potential customers questions to help them find the right living situation an environment in which they can thrive not just survive.
The eight questions on the Senior Transition Guide range from "How would you rate your quality of life, including socialization, health and nutrition?" to "Have you had any falls in the last six months?"
These questions direct seniors to the types of living situations they should be looking for. "If they've had a slip or fall in the past, it would be in their best interest to answer truthfully and then see what type of living situation the system recommends for them," William explained.
Williams and the other staff members at the Senior Transition Guide are proud of the questionnaire, which has prevented mistakes in housing choices for those moving into senior living. It also benefits senior communities themselves and holds those living community companies less liable if there is an accident involving a resident.
"Going to this conference is just a part of our continuing education," Williams commented on the informative and education content of the guide. "It helps us get up to speed on all housing laws."
According to Williams, using the Senior Transition Guide can also provide the best level of protection for everyone involved in senior housing.
"Some places are so desperate to sell, they'll move you into anything," he said. "The magic is to educate the seniors on what they need or will need in the future. That protects people from lawsuits but more importantly they make better choices."
About the Senior Transition Guide
The Senior Transition Guide is a not-for-profit organization that aims to connect people around the country with the information, tools and resources needed to know their options for senior care. They help families consider their options for this important transition period. To learn more, visit seniorlivinghomeguide.org.
Contact
Senior Transition Guide
Jon Scott Williams
800-248-6252
seniorlivinghomeguide.org
Jon Scott Williams
800-248-6252
seniorlivinghomeguide.org
Contact
Categories