Northern Michigan Faces Senior Housing Crisis

News Summary

The Grand Traverse area is confronting a significant housing shortage for seniors, with over 30,000 residential units needed by 2027. The demand for affordable and appropriate living arrangements for older adults is escalating, with particular challenges for those on fixed incomes. Local leaders are calling for urgent action to increase senior living options and address zoning changes, essential for tackling this growing crisis and ensuring adequate housing for the region’s aging population.

Traverse City – The Grand Traverse area in northern Michigan is facing a serious shortage of housing for its senior citizens. Housing North, a nonprofit organization created to tackle housing issues across ten counties—including Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford—has reported that the region is unprepared for its growing senior population.

A recent housing needs assessment projected that northern Michigan will be short more than 30,000 residential units by 2027, which includes a significant need for 8,813 rental units and 22,455 for-sale units. The critical challenge particularly affects seniors who often live on fixed incomes and seek homes that allow them to age in place comfortably.

The Need for Senior-Specific Housing

The definition of senior housing encompasses a wide variety of living arrangements, ranging from independent homes to senior care facilities. This broad classification complicates the assessment of housing needs for seniors in the region. A stakeholder survey conducted as part of the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment indicated a moderate to high need for senior-specific housing, especially for low-income groups earning $25,000 or less.

There has also been a concerning trend of individuals aged 55 and older being displaced from their homes, especially in manufactured home communities. Recently, the opening of Meadow Valley Senior Living in Garfield Township introduced 174 units, but this development has not fully addressed the soaring demand for senior housing. Conversely, Northern Star Assisted Living, a 65-bed facility, was forced to shut down in 2021 due to staffing issues and is now being redeveloped into a hotel.

Demographic Shifts and Housing Costs

Nearly 57% of households in the ten-county region have heads of households aged 55 or older. By 2027, it is expected that household growth in the region will predominantly stem from older demographics, with a notable increase projected in the number of households aged 65-74 and those aged 75 and older. However, affordability remains a significant hurdle. One-bedroom units in new senior communities can cost as much as $5,200 a month, which limits accessibility for many seniors.

Addressing the Housing Shortage

To confront the imminent housing shortage, local leaders have suggested several recommendations. These include increasing the number of senior living communities, placing a greater emphasis on building homes that are age-in-place-ready, and encouraging younger generations to take an active role in seeking housing solutions for their older relatives. Additionally, proposals are on the table to educate the community regarding alternative housing arrangements, such as shared living spaces among older adults and the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Despite these recommendations, there is resistance to zoning changes that are vital for constructing more affordable housing options. Local leaders are recognizing the urgent need for action to manage the senior housing shortage effectively, stressing that immediate and collective efforts are essential to address the growing crisis in the region.

In summary, northern Michigan’s senior housing crisis poses a significant challenge for local communities as they navigate the needs of an aging population, increasing housing demands, and financial constraints. Urgent action and collaboration are vital to ensure that the region can provide suitable and affordable living options for its senior citizens.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Traverse Ticker: Northern Michigan’s Senior Housing Shortage
• Bridge Michigan: Michigan’s Retiree Crisis
• Cadillac News: Senior Housing Need in Missaukee
• World Atlas: Best Retirement Towns in Northern U.S.
• Newsweek: Property Taxes and Senior Citizens in Michigan
• Wikipedia: Senior Housing
• Google Search: Senior Housing in Michigan
• Google Scholar: Senior Housing Needs Assessment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Senior Housing
• Google News: Senior Housing Michigan