DONNA KEATING

PHOTO: PLACE DUBOURG in LaPlace offers independent lliving in a community setting. LAPLACE – Place Dubourg, an assisted living facility and apartment community, is designed to provide a new concept in living for single or married persons age 62 and up. Tenants are provided private, independent living conditions along with the opportunity to participate in a variety of interesting activities with other seniors. Tenants are free to come and go as they please. “Place Dubourg is affordable housing for elderly citizens in a community setting with many amenities,” says administrator Chris Palmisano. “It’s a safe, affordable living environment in a community setting for residents to enjoy with others their own age. Residents can maintain their independence and privacy without having the burden of traditional home maintenance.” Residents are offered spacious living with a living/dining area with a kitchenette and a separate bedroom and bathroom. The five-story complex houses 115 one-bedroom apartments. Special amenities include a card and game room, a library, conference rooms, a gift shop, a craft and hobby center, laundry facilities, a beauty shop, a central dining and multi-purpose room and a coffee shop. There is also plenty of parking space for residents. The facility is equipped with a paging system, an emergency call system if residents need help, fire alarm and detection systems, door alarms and emergency power. No medical or nursing care is provided. Some apartments are designed for persons with mobility impairments. The head or spouse must have a mobility impairment requiring the special design features of the unit. Accessible apartments are also available to persons under the age of 62 if they qualify. Monthly rental at Place Dubourg is a percentage of household income after certain allowances are determined. Prospective residents must meet required income limit to be eligible for occupancy. Place Dubourg also offers accommodations for elderly people with extremely low annual income – $9,250 to $24, 650 for one person and $10,550 to $28,150 for two persons. All apartments for prospective tenants who qualify because of age, income or handicap pay a percentage of their gross income for rent. The federal government absorbs the remainder. To qualify for federal rent subsidies, income may not exceed a designated annual amount as established by the federal government. Persons eligible for rent subsidy will also be given a utility allowance, which will reduce their monthly rent. This allowance is established by the federal government. Tenants are responsible for their own electrical bills. Telephone and cable television may also be installed at the owners expense if desired. All residents are required to sign a one-year lease and file a preliminary application for admission. Place Dubourg is part of the Horizons program for the elderly and is sponsored by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.