Apartments and Retirement Centers for Deaf

by Donald Moore, October 2018

Overview
This article discusses about Apartment and Retirement Centers for Deaf Seniors, Full Inclusion and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Although IAD does not manage any facilities for deaf seniors, we will make an effort to share relevant information that may of use to the deaf community. When opportunities arises, IAD staff will make an effort to provide brief articles about deaf senior apartments and retirement centers for awareness.  While this may be new information to some, and not others, the intent of such articles provided by IAD is to make this information more widely known to our members and their friends.

In 2017, I had the opportunity to visit “Martha’s Vineyard Place”, which is a Deaf Apartment complex, in Dallas, Texas during a side excursion while on a combined business/personal trip.  The complex is entirely new and is open for residents.  See below flyer and contact the apartment management directly for any residency questions.

Current and Future Living Arrangements
While many of us are currently living in apartments, condos/townhomes and single family homes – have not yet considered what type of living arrangements may be desired or needed in the future.  This can be challenging considering the social and communication needs of deaf residents when approaching retirement or requiring senior and assistive care. 

Some places only offer housing for those requiring low-income assistance.  Oftentimes, availability is limited and there can be long waiting lists.  It is a possible that with the large number of “baby boomers” (1946-1964), and the “Rubella Bulge” (1960’s) entering their senior years – that availability will become limited. Always check on availability in advance and do not assume there is space immediately ready.

IAD conducted a survey in 2016, and one of the major findings was that many people expect to either remain in their current residences and/or do not have any idea of future residency plans in their later years.  Further highlighting the needs to educate, research,  and provide further information to the community.

Very few places offer full accommodations for deaf residents.  Some accommodations may be non-existent or minimal.  While everyone’s accommodative needs may be different, the need for social interaction with others is equally important.  The need for on-going human and social interaction is one of the basic needs as identified within Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  Thus this is where the value of deaf designed centers is important.  Especially within the Physiological needs as shown in Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs chart (see below).  Again there is a very small subset of communities that offer full inclusion for deaf residents.

What is Full Inclusion for Deaf?
Staff that can sign and communicate well with residents, the availability of hearing assistive devices for entry gates/doors, fire and security alert systems.  As well as communication systems such as the availability of video phones/conferencing, and the wide-availability of high-speed Internet and WI-FI access for two-way video (i.e. FaceTime, Skype and VRS/VRI), and email.  Not only that, the residency of other residents with similar communication needs (signing in ASL) allows others to fully participate in conversations, social and gaming activities.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Source: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) does have a listing of available Senior Resources which lists deaf friendly communities across the country in several states.  Keep in mind that the list could be outdated at any time, the appropriate research and follow up will help you determine availability and the match for your needs.

IAD plans to provide more information on its website in the near future.

Marc Roer is the primary IAD contact for the Nursing Home and State of Ward efforts, he can be reached at: marroe57@gmail.com

The author of this article, Donald Moore can be reached at dmoore@iadeaf.org for any questions or comments.