Abstract
Many housing options for the elderly are being developed and promoted that could help older persons avoid premature nursing home care. Elderly person’s acceptance of four of these options was examined through a survey of Virginia Extension Homemaker Council members. These options were: ECHO housing, accessory apartments, shared housing, and board and care homes. Respondents had limited awareness of the ECHO housing, though they were somewhat familiar with the other options. Although they had not sought information on any of these options to any degree, a large proportion (37% - 47%) of the sample would consider living in them. Multiple regression was used to determine demographic and personal innovativeness characteristics which affect overall acceptance of the four types. Education, income, and age were significantly related to the Housing Adoption score. However, the innovativeness variable, Willingness to Take a Chance, was the strongest predictor in the regression model. The analysis indicates that younger, more educated people with higher incomes and a willingness to take a chance will be the consumer group most likely to try housing options for the elderly.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Julia O. Beamish
Julia Beamish is an Associate Professor and Michael Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg.
Michael K. Johnson
Julia Beamish is an Associate Professor and Michael Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg.