Senior Residential Options

Efsharuyot Megurim L’Bnei Gil Hazahav

אפשרויות מגורים לבני גיל הזהב

As one approaches retirement or decides to make Aliyah at an older age, you’ll find a range of housing options designed to accommodate different levels of independence, healthcare needs, and lifestyle preferences. Each option is tailored to ensure a fulfilling and secure retirement, allowing you to maintain your desired level of autonomy while accessing the care and amenities that best suit your needs.

The following guide explains the main housing options available, highlighting the benefits, challenges, costs, and financial considerations to help you find the right fit.

Note: All costs and prices mentioned below are approximate and are subject to market change and vary from facility to facility.

Staying in Your Own Home

• For many retirees, remaining in their own home is the preferred option. It allows for complete independence, familiar surroundings, and continuity in daily life. This choice is ideal for those who enjoy their community, have family and friends nearby, and are still able to manage their home without difficulty.
• However, homeownership in retirement comes with responsibilities. Maintenance, repairs, and general upkeep can become challenging, especially as one’s mobility decreases. Some homes may require modifications for accessibility, such as ramps, elevators, or bathroom renovations, which can add to the cost.
• Additionally, for those who eventually require assistance, hiring private caregivers may become necessary, increasing monthly expenses.
• Financially, staying in a private home can be cost-effective if the property is already paid off, but ongoing expenses such as property taxes, utilities, and maintenance should be factored in. If care is needed, hiring a private caregiver can range anywhere from 6,500 – 10,000 NIS per month, although the amounts do change.

Diyur Mugan - דיור מוגן - Independent Living Facility

• For seniors looking for a residential solution with no responsibility for maintenance and repairs etc., a Diyur Mugan community provides an excellent solution. These communities offer private apartments within secure and well-maintained complexes. Please note that they tend to be significantly smaller than an apartment rented outside the facility.
• Residents enjoy a built-in social network, access to cultural and recreational activities, and optional services such as housekeeping, dining, and on-site medical support, eliminating concerns about security, property upkeep, and isolation while providing opportunities for social engagement and enrichment.
• Note: Some facilities also have a Si’udi – סיעודי – Nursing Wing where residents can transfer into if their medical situation warrants more care and supervision.
• The financial structure of independent living communities varies. Today, most operate on a rental model where no upfront deposit is required, but monthly fees can range from 8,000 – 25,000 NIS (approximately), depending on the level of service and location.
• An older deposit-based model, which requires an initial high “buy-in” payment ranging from 400,000 – 1.8 million NIS (approximately), is also still in use by some facilities. This deposit is partially refundable upon departure, with a portion depreciating over time.
• In this model, in addition to the deposit, residents pay a monthly maintenance fee of between 4,000 – 8,000 NIS (approximately), covering services such as security, facility upkeep, and communal activities.

Diyur Tomech - דיור תומך - Assisted Living

• Diyur Tomech is designed for those individuals who can still live independently but require some help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, or managing medications. In addition, there is a common dining room where three meals a day are provided.
• These residences provide a combination of private apartments and shared spaces, ensuring that residents have both privacy and access to support when needed.
• In these facilities, professional staff is available around the clock to provide personal care, medical supervision, and emergency assistance if needed. Residents also benefit from structured activities, communal dining, and social opportunities, creating a balance between independence and support.
• The cost of assisted living facilities varies depending on the level of care required and is similar to those mentioned in Diyur Mugan above.

Beit Avot - בית אבות - Nursing Home

• Batei Avot, which are licensed by the Misrad HaRevacha – משרד הרווחה – Ministry of Social Affairs, often provide two levels of service and care: Standard and Si’udi. A Beit Avot is designed for individuals who require moderate or full-time medical supervision and assistance in a structured environment.
• A Si’udi program caters to seniors with serious health conditions or mobility limitations, offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and specialized care for chronic illnesses.
• In both cases, a Beit Avot provides 24/7 medical care, ensuring that residents receive the support they need at all times. While they offer structured activities and communal programs, the level of independence is significantly lower than in independent or assisted living communities. Privacy may also be more limited, as residents often share spaces with others.
• The cost of nursing home care varies significantly depending on whether it’s a private or public facility and on the level of care required. For those who qualify, government assistance through the Misrad HaBri’ut – משרד הבריאות – Health Ministry’s Si’ud Program can help subsidize costs, making nursing care more accessible to those with limited financial resources.

Choosing the Best Option

• Deciding where to live in your retirement years depends on your health, lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. If you value independence and familiarity, staying in your private home may be the best choice. If you want a hassle-free environment with a built-in social network, independent or assisted living might be the right fit. For those requiring full-time medical care, nursing homes provide essential support.
• For more information from the Misrad HaBri’ut on how to choose a senior residential option or one’s rights in a Beit Avot or senior benefits etc., you can review their website here and here

This guide was created and translated by Shivat Zion based on an article by “Buy it in Israel” and input and information from other professionals in the field of Senior Care.