For more than six months, residents at The Life at Sterling Woods senior living complex in South Houston have faced an escalating crisis.

Sue and Sue. Sue Larsen opened her home to Sue Ronnenkamp, who pays $900 a month in rent and gets her own room and access to the rest of the home. “Randall was really strong and positive about making me feel welcome,” said Mary Ozanic, a home renter. Companies such as Silvernest and Senior Home Shares match seniors who want to stay in their homes with people who need a home. “It gives you a really good, clear picture of values and attitudes,” said Sue Larsen, a homeowner.

This device is being put to good use at Unlimited Care Cottages, an assisted living community in The Woodlands. There are tears shed and there are smiles,” said Steven Crenshaw, the creator of the device and owner of Handle With Care, a senior home safety business. “We felt that it was important that we designed something that there could be some interaction,” said Amber, the marketing liaison for Unlimited Care Cottages. “If you walk up to give somebody a hug that’s inside, you’re able to stick your arms through these holes like so,” said Steven. It’s just a wonderful blessing shared,” said Buck Buckholtz, the owner of Unlimited Care Cottages.