Senior housing situation precarious in Gulf region, AAHSA's Minnix says

The senior housing situation in the states affected by Hurricane Katrina is "even worse" than the nursing home situation, according to the CEO of one of the nation's major long-term care associations.

While the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aged has made contact with many nursing home members, it still does know the state of many of the senior housing residences of Christopher Homes, said Larry Minnix of AAHSA in a memo to members.

"While the nursing home situation is still unclear and tenuous, the senior housing situation is even worse," Minnix said in a hurricane update sent last Friday to members. At that time, AAHSA had information on 58 of 90 affected members in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

In related news, providers in Mississippi and Louisiana are in need of everything from adult diapers to wheelchairs, feeding materials and more. Donated supplies can be delivered to the following locations:

Mississippi Health Care Association, 114 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Louisiana Nursing Home Association, 7844 Office Park Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.