Comparing the Satisfaction of Rural Seniors with Housing Co-Ops and Congregate Apartments

This study examined the satisfaction of rural seniors with two types of group living situations: housing co-ops and congregate apartments. Previous research has suggested that co-op members are more satisfied with their living situation than residents of other types of housing due to the participatory nature of cooperative living. The purpose of this study was to see if co-op members, who own and manage their own housing, would report greater benefits and higher levels of satisfaction with their housing than congregate apartment tenants whose housing is not resident-owned or managed. Residents of three housing co-ops and two congregate apartment facilities in small midwestern towns responded to a questionnaire broken into four areas: satisfaction with housing; impact of housing on well-being; social and governmental opportunities; and monetary benefits. Results suggested that: (1) both groups of respondents were satisfied with their housing situation; (2) both types of housing had a positive impact on residents' well-being; (3) both types of housing provided social and governmental opportunities; and (4) both types of housing provided monetary benefits. No significant differences were found between the two groups of residents except in the area of monetary benefits, with significantly more congregate apartment residents reporting that their facility provided monetary benefits. This study suggests that while senior housing co-ops are well-liked by their members, having ownership and managerial control may not be necessary for seniors to be satisfied with, and reap benefits from, their housing situation.