Christine Koss highlights Laramie's need for affordable senior housing at Regency Retirement

Residents of Laramie will soon see improvements in senior housing options following a heartfelt presentation by Christine Koss, executive director of Regency Retirement Residence, during the recent city council meeting. Koss emphasized the critical need for affordable independent living facilities for seniors in the community, particularly for those who do not qualify for low-income housing but still struggle with the costs of care.

Regency Retirement Residence, a 501(c)(3) organization, currently accommodates 30 to 35 seniors at a time in its 24 units. Koss highlighted the challenges faced by residents, noting that many have to leave Laramie for more comprehensive care due to the lack of affordable options. She shared that in her short tenure, she has had to say goodbye to numerous residents, many of whom could not find suitable care locally.

The facility was established nearly 30 years ago with the vision of providing a supportive environment for seniors. Although plans for assisted living were initially proposed, budget constraints led to the establishment of independent living. Koss pointed out that while there are for-profit assisted living facilities in Laramie, their costs can be prohibitive for many families.

Koss's presentation underscored the importance of maintaining affordable care options for seniors in Laramie, as many residents are former educators, law enforcement officers, and community servants who deserve a dignified living situation. The city council's acknowledgment of this issue may pave the way for future initiatives aimed at enhancing senior care and housing in the area, ensuring that Laramie's elderly population can remain close to their community and loved ones.