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Abstract
This article examines manufactured home parks as a type of naturally occurring retirement community (NORC) and considers the potential for adding social service programs (SSP) to enable further aging in place. An analysis of six focus group interviews with 48 residents found that the physical and social environment promoted a sense of safety and community, and that this housing option was an intentional lifestyle choice. Risks included the possibility of bad management and park closure. Manufactured home parks were found to offer an attractive option for exploring a NORC-SSP model that builds on residents’ assets and community capacity.
This research and manuscript preparation was supported in part by grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of University Partnerships, the Oregon Housing and Community Services, and the Aging Matters Initiative at Portland State University.
Notes
1. Some homes may be owned by the landlord or other investors and leased to residents. These residents pay rent for their homes and their spaces.
2. From 1988 to 1995, the Fair Housing Act required senior housing developments to have “significant facilities and services” that were designated for older adults. The Housing for Older Persons Act eliminated the significant facilities and services requirement. After 1995, senior parks have been those that house at least one resident 55 years or older in at least 80% of the occupied units and that adhere to a policy that demonstrates the intent to house individuals 55 years and older.